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17 Mins.; Full Stage (Special Set). “Twenty Odd Years” Taking an every-day incident for the basis of his text, Tom Barry tacked the title of “Twenty Odd Years” on this little comedy playlet, contributed a classy little routine of conversation and situations and handed it to Harry Beresford who provided a capable cast, a splendid background and the combined result is one of the prettiest little plays in present-day vaudeville. The theme is of two old men who quailed twenty years ago. One is rich, the other comfortable fixed but not overburdened with worldly goods. The latter’s niece loves the other’s son. The scene is the home of the girl, an exterior with a set cottage in the background, provided with practical fixtures, doors, shutters, windows, etc. The story revolves around the courtship with the points built on a light comedy structure, the finale bringing an adjustment. It might be well to have two elders meet in view of the audience, since it would but require a change for the gardener (Vincent Seaville) and would not necessitate any surplus dialog. Beresford plays “Nunky,” the girl’s uncle. His portrayal of the moody, but lovable old gentleman was decidedly artistic, many of the laughs arising from his impromptu actions and peculiar delivery. Frederick Howard is a likeable juvenile, carefully instructed in this instance and passable in all departments. Isabell Mendosa is of that rare type of dramatic ingenue with a clear enunciation, yet girlish appearance, and fits her portion like a glove. Opposite Howard she scored an individual hit and did wonders in the uplift. The production and general equipment is also worthy of individual comment and comes close to a class of its own, considering the size and nature of the vehicle. “Twenty Odd Years” should go on for a long time.
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Variety, Volume XXXVI, no.7, October 17, 1914