“THE WOMEN”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 93, 21 April 1939, Page 9

“THE WOMEN”

W ANGANUI SEASON. One of the most-discussed plays o£ the day “The Women,’’ will be presented by J. C. Williamson Theatres, Limited, at the Majestic Theatre next Wednesday. Written by Clare Boothe, one of the most famous of modern American playwrights, “The Women” is a frank eunci hilarious comedy—with a serious moral, however —of present-day society. It tells how a woman is forced into the divorce court through the malicious gossip of her Insincere and “feline” friends. The cast of the play is novel, in that it is all-femin-ine The 40 women players are headed by the noted American actress Irene Purcell, who has several Broadway successes to her credit, and who is also well known for her work in films. Another screen actress in the cast is Mary Dees, famous as the double of the late Jean Harlow. Miss Dees has the role of Crystal, a glamorous blonde who becomes the “other woman” in the domestic life of the heroine. Other American players in the cast are Marjorie Crossland, who has a fine comedy part, Jessica Rogers, Doris Packer, Suzanne JacksonDebby Dare, Christine Maple and Arden Young. Several Australian actresses also appear, including Katie Towers, well-known to theatre audiences, and Dorothea Dunstan, a child performer who has greatly impressed the critics. New Zealanders will have a special interest in the appearance of Eileen Collins, a daughter of Dr. Collins, of Gisborne. Novel settings and beautiful gowns are a feature of the production.