“YOUNG WOODLEY”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6944, 25 June 1929, Page 8

“YOUNG WOODLEY”

MUCH-TALKED-OF PLAY. The Palmerston North theatre-going public was presented with an unusual type of play in “Young Woodley,” which was staged at the Opera house last evening under the direction of J. C. Williamson Ltd.. It was an attempt to portray tho awakening of sexual romance in youth and the moral was pointed in a manner which left unoffended the susceptibilities of any. It was an inquiry into the everrecurring problem that faces the youth of each generation, but accomplished in that frank manner in which young men of to-day ask tho question. “Young Woodley” was the most-talked-of play in England for a number of years, first of all being banned and after its eventual release, became a great success. It is difficult, however, to understand why it was even censored, for there is nothing offensive about it. The performers last evening were all new to a Palmerston North audience, and gave clever interpretations of their respective parts. The story centred around the lovo of a college boy for the wife of his housemaster. His lovo was reciprocated, and naturally complications followed when the pair were caught by the husband. Woodley was threatened with expulsion, and to save him, Mrs Simmons pretended she was only playing with his affections. Tlie shock of tins realisation embittered tlie lad whose outlook on life and love became Tudelv shattered. Before the final curtain fell, however, young Woodley discovered that there was a real love, and Ills ideals of womanhood were largely restored.