Where Was He?

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

Until the last page of this 'society episode' it seemed decidedly a play which would have to be banned - to prevent an outcry if for no better reason - and even as it is it is dubious. The first scene is a bedroom corridor of a country house, the time 12.30 at night. One of the guests, Mrs Fastleigh comes out of her room, knocks at one of the other doors, and returns to her own room with the key. The time is supposed to change to 9.30am. Captain Herrick, V.C. comes in his pyjamas to the locked door and is dismayed to find it locked. First a housemaid, then the hostess, Mrs Freemantle, and then Major Finch and Mrs Fastleigh all come into the corridor. Captain Herrick complains of the practical joke played on him; Mrs Fastleigh goes to tell the remaining guest, Peggy Ailesbury, and returns with the key, pretending to have found it in Peggy's room. When the door is opened it is seen that the Captain has not slept in his bed at all. The next scene is at breakfast. Herrick gives explanations of how he spent the night and so on. Peggy appears and says she locked his door for a joke. But the explanation breaks down on the point that he is supposed to have slept in the smoking room, because it is out of use and being repaired. Of course it is obvious that he has slept with Peggy. And then, in the last page comes the announcement that the pair were secretly married the morning before. It is a question if this late announcement should save the play, which otherwise would not have done. I confess it would seem to me a little prudish to ban it: no ordinary person would mind it told as a joke in private life. On the other hand severe moralists might complain that the atmosphere was vicious. That being duly pointed out it is Recommended for Licence. G. S. Street