September 17, 2021
and 100 years ago on this day in 1921, “Tarzan of the Apes” was reviewed in the
“Dramatic Mirror and Theatre” by H. K. Wheat. The play was staged in four acts
at the Broadhurst Theatre at 44th and Broadway. The case included
Ronald Adair as Tarzan, Greta Kemble Cooper as Lady Greystoke, Ethel Dryer as
Jane, and Edward Stillward played Kala. In a major departure from the British
version of the play, George Broadhurst, theatre owner and producer used real
lions, Jim and Beauty, on stage.
The review was
very positive, but even a good review wasn’t enough to save the production,
indeed the play may have already closed by the time the review was published. According
to various sources, the play opened on either September 1 or September 7, but
by all accounts it closed shortly thereafter, although the actual closing date
isn’t clear.
“Melodrama of
Monkeys and Men” is todays drabble, 100 words take from the review by H. K.
Wheat – hopefully in context. The entire review and a lot of information about
the production is available at https://www.erbzine.com/mag15/1568.html
“It is a weird and
amazing melodrama told in a series of ten scenes covering a number of years and
vast amount of doings that would tax the credulousness of an infant in arms. It’s
far from poor entertainment. The sentimental and emotional qualities of the
semi-dumb animals has heretofore been sadly neglected. Animals of various kinds
and qualities predominate in the story’s unfolding, though occasionally a human
being makes his appearance felt also.
Mrs. Trimble Bradly has outdone herself in the production. An evening’s entertainment not lightly to be overlooked, for it is the only one of its kind."
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