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The first two scenes could be cut a bit also, particularly the opening. The best humor is crowded into the six minutes of the close, although there is real fun when the firemen cut the wires to the electric gong so they will not be disturbed in a game of cards, which happens at the start. That is in the headquarters of the company. The scene in "one" represents the exterior of a public house, which the men visit frequently to discover the location of the fire the foreman has driven them on the street to find. In the final scene, the exterior of the side of a residence up to the second floor is shown. A bright flame may be seen inside, and some of the firemen are interested, while others calmly sit down to "shoot craps." The appearance of a female at a window brings all the men to their feet, and a lad- der is rushed against the building for a rescue, although all but one are indifferent. As the woman at the window is within reach of the heroic fireman, a better looking girl appears upon the porch, with outstretched arms seeking aid. Everybody becomes bu
The audience simply screech with laughter at this, and there is one continual howl throughout the last scene. It is enough to carry the piece easily, but there are plenty of laughs all the way.
The darts will not find as ready appreciation perhaps over here, where the fire fighters are admired, in their line of duty, as in England, but the comedy is unmistakable. Sometimes it is forced, and in two instances, unpleasant; but the latter, consisting of expectorating beer into another's face; also sneezing may easily be dropped, which would be advisable. With due chopping, "The London Fire Brigade" will be one of the best laughing acts on the variety stage. The comedy is legitimate, capably handled for the most party by a young man, short in stature.
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Variety 8:1 (08/03/1907)