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Even one of the best imitation fires ever pulled in a theatre fell down. Smoke was seen by many (especially those nearest the stage) during Herman Lieb's sketch. Quite a few walked out but a very quietly. Arthur Hammerstein made a speech explaining the cause of the smoke. He went better than anything on the bill.
Unfortunately the smoke broke up the act. While he continued, the interest fell right away in the most important part of the sketch.
The sketch is surely a great story and Lieb is very natural as the "joke" druggist. But the man and girl who assist him are both unnatural and at times let down the sketch horribly. Nevertheless, Lieb managed to pull the sketch through on his own, though better support would be a great help.
Source:
Variety 24:3 (09/23/1911)