Great War Theatre

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

A dramatic little sketch of one of the pathetic possibilities of the war. An honourable merchant, whose firm is on the brink of bankruptcy and whose only son lies wounded at the front, is approached by a rascally rival who wants the highly respectable house to lend its name at a high price for a shipment which, by shrewd cross-examination, the head-clerk discovers to be discovered to be copper for Germany via Sweden. For a while the merchant hesitates, the temptation being his desire to save something from the wreck for his wounded son. In the end, however, patriotism beats self: and just when he has decided to follow the dictates of honour the merchant receives news of his son’s death. Recommended for license. Ernest A. Bendall.

Licensed On: 14 Jul 1916

License Number: 343

British Library Reference: LCP1916/16

British Library Classmark: Add MS 66137 M

Performances

Date Theatre Type
14 Aug 1916 Coliseum, London Professional Licensed Performance
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Cast included: Sir George Alexander (Sir Anthony Howard); Mr J D Beveridge (Charles); Mr Charles Glenny (Mr George Biggin). A review commented that: 'Up to a point Howard and Son is an interesting little piece, which is exceedingly well played, but its central idea seems to be somewhat lacking in conviction [...] It is the father's attitude towards the absent son that, as we have said, provides the central idea for the playlet, and here the authors seem to have gone a little off the track of life. The most natural thing for Sir Anthony to have done would have been to have exhibited his fatherly love and appreciation of the effort's of thousands of other people's sons by ringing up for the police and detaining Biggin. [...]The audience on Monday afternoon gave play and players an enthusiastic reception, Sir George having to bow his acknowledgments several times.' (Stage, 17 August 1916) Also mentioned as performing on the same bill were: Loie Fuller (dance teacher) with her young dancers; Julien Henry, Margaret Norton and Gordon Lennox (singers), Hayley's Juveniles - being Augustus Yorke and Robert Leonard - (actors) performing "Isadore, You Tell Her"; Helen Haye and Company (actors) performing "the Great Redding Street Burglary"; Chester Kingston and Cliff Berzac and his (sic) amusing circus the Bioscope; and Mr Alfred Dove (conductor) and his orchestra 'providing their customary items.'
5 Oct 1916 King's Theatre, Southsea Professional
16 Oct 1916 Empire, Liverpool Professional
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Featuring Sir George Alexander; Mr J D Beveridge; Mr Charles Glenny.
30 Oct 1916 Empire Theatre, Glasgow Professional
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Featuring Sir George Alexander ; Mr J D Beveridge ; Mr Charles Glenny.
24 Nov 1916 Grand Theatre, Birmingham Professional
4 Dec 1916 Coliseum, London Professional
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Performed by Sir George Alexander, Mr J D Beveridge, Mr Charles Glenny. Also on the same bill: The Trio of Great Concert Artistes, Melsa The Famous Polish Violinist; Louise Dale The Brilliant English Soprano; Solomon The Wonderful Boy Pianist; (also) Mr G.P. Huntley Supported by Irene Browne and Co in "Selling A Pup" by Margaret Haye; Mark Sheridan Comedian; Grock The French Musical Clown and Partner; Daisy Dormer Comedienne; Marie Dainton in Imitations.