Salome’s Legs to be Hidden

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17865, 5 June 1926, Page 17 (Supplement)

Salome’s Legs to be Hidden

Censor Says She Must Wear More Clothes.

IF the Lord Chamberlain’s representative who went to see a recent production ot “ Katerina ” had his way, patrons of the Barnes Theatres, London, would see Salome covered with a rug or shawl. It would be hard for Frances Carson to play to empty front stalls, and not have the stimulus of rows of stiff white shirts. Naturallv Frances was peeved and thinks the authorities want the players in an artistic performance clothed in winter wear or in long overcoats, writes the London correspondent of the “ Star.” “ Katerina ” is a Philip Ridgeway production, and the Lord Chamberlain notified him that Miss Frances Carson, who plays the part of Salome, must wear more clothing and that some lines in the fourth act must be eliminated or altered. The Lord Chamberlain’s representative considered that Miss ( arson showed too much leg and thigh when she sat down ! Mr Ridgeway said that he intended to make the changes desired as soon as he could call a special rehearsal to discover how they may be effected without spoiling the artistic effect of the play. • I have the greatest respect for the Lord Chamberlain, and certainly want to do all I can to meet his wishes,” he said. “He has never been unjust to me.

“ I think it is only right to point out, however, that the only complaint which has been made has come from two ladies. “ The Church is with us on the question of the moral effect of the play, and one clergyman last night and another this afternoon expressed the opinion that there was nothing indecent in Miss Carson’s appearance. “ In the original version of the play, which was banned in England for several years, Salome wore a much scantier costume than Miss Carson wears. When the license to produce the play was given I had to enter into an undertaking that Salome would be adequately clothed, and that certain lines would be altered. “ I have carried out these requirements, and the play has been running a fortnight, only to receive the notice to do more. Miss Carson’s main objection to the Lord Chamberlain’s request is that it will rob her scene of its artistic value.” When the request to wear more clothing was made to Miss Carson she was greatly upset and indignant at the suggestion that her appearance in the play was indecent. “It seems to me,” she said, “ that one can wear as little as possible in a frivolous revue without censure, but in an artistic performance in a play which is true to life one must wear winter garments or a man's long overcoat ! ”