THE THEATRE OF THE AIR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22102, 4 November 1933, Page 4

THE THEATRE OF THE AIR

"Ann and Harold." By Louis Goodrich. Illustrated by Marie Kale. London: Allen ana Unwin. (7s net.) Mr Goodrich’s “ Ann and Harold ” is, by its simple presentment of character and situation, and its refusal to withstand critical analysis, a difficult play to define. It might he described as a minor “ Cavalcade,” since it is a record of change suggested in episodic scenes; hut it has none of the pretension of “Cavalcade, nor does it affect to present a panorama of national life. Its elements, indeed, -are of the simplest apd most sentimental, material for any family, novelist, yet its strength lies in just that artlessness with which the action is advanced. It is necessary to remember also, that it if 3 “ radio play,” written not to be staged in even a small theatre, but before an undemonstrative microphone to which the few actors must confide their hopes and fears and, at the same time, suggest movement. Ann and -Harold meet in Hyde Park, informally, and like each other. Then they are introduced at a dance and, conventions satisfied, continue to like each other. They become engaged in a punt, just in time to turn the wrath of the general, in whose water they have been trespassing, into congratulations. They are married,, with a best man who loves the bridesmaid rather hopelessly because she thinks she is in love with, the bridegroom. They have a baby, they go to Lords, the general proposes to the /bridesmaid, the bridesmaid decides she will marry the best man after all, and the general finally approves. All this we learn from a few conversations over the microphone (or would if the play were broadcast in New Zealand). There is little to be said of “Ann and Harold except that it is a success. Tt may prove useful as well as entertaining to New Zealand readers if it suggests to any of them the composition of radio plays for production here. “ Ann and Harold proves the possibilities of the medium, since it was very well received by 8.8. C. audiences.

The Author Louis Goodrich has had a varied career as hog-raiser, -farm-hand, hop-grower, land surveyor, cordwood cutter, tea planter, soldier, actor, film player. He has lived fot periods ranging from months to years in Germany, Belgium, Canada, Ceylon, the United States. South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.' He declares that despite his sometimes, harsh experience of life he retains most of his youthful illusions. / J. M.