Emmett Devoy and Co. (3)

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“The Old Hag” 18 Mins.; Full Stage. Occasionally, in consistently patronizing the big time vaudeville theatres, one collides with a comedy sketch that qualifies for the novelty classification either because of a new idea in construction or the originality and build of its theme, although such cases are decided rare in a season. In Emmett Devoy’s “The old Hag” it might be early recorded that Devoy has taken excellent advantage of all the possibilities and completed a sketch that will eventually number him among vaudeville’s six best sellers of the current season. “The Old Hag” is a little domestic story, full of interest from start to close, with an abundance of good, up-to-date comedy and a corking finish. The scene is the home of a young couple, married but a year. The inevitable petty quarrels helped along with two ungovernable tempers are making things unhappy. The husband (Arthur Bell) blames everything on his wife’s mother (Maude Durand) and the wife (Ann Ptttwood) blames her mother-in-law for the state of affairs. Mr. Devoy is the family friend. With a little diplomacy he adjusts the differences. The girl’s mother, a widow, had formerly courted the family friend. The old love is renewed during the action and leads up to the finish where he proposes. She doesn’t answer and he leaves. Finding him gone, she executes a little audible acting which he hears, having stepped but just outside the door. Upon his return with ensuring embrace comes the curtain. The individual parts are excellently taken by the principals, with Mr. Devoy and Miss Durand standing out conspicuously. The piece has been produced on a two-dollar basis. With heart interest, petty thrills and always comedy in sight, “The Old Hag” is a fine piece of vaudeville property. Emmet Devoy wrote it and probably staged it. His labor has brought him a splendid reward.

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