THE FICKLE PROFESSOR ALICE GAY JUDD . TRRORY OF CONGRESS Hi 016 103 ^^' JL PRICE 15 CENTS Eldridge Entertainment House Franklin, Ohio -- I>S?Tf ''JEfi?: 944 S*. Lmwrntk StTMt Clever New Monologs and Recitations Monologs of Merit This we believe a splendid collection for elocution- ists or for schools. Contains many of the darky sketches of Blar.che Goodman which do not appear in the "Viney S!retches." Some noveTty readings by Lydia McGaughey are "The White-wash Angel," "A Pair of Boots," "Robert Joins the A. H. T. A.," "Rob- ert and the Auto," "Seven, Seventeen and Seventy," "In Grandma's Day," and others. Complete volume. 7Sc- Help-U Dialog and Recitation Book By various authors and a real help to the teacher. Here are some of the dialogs: "A Strike Mother Goose Settled," "Casey's Twins," "A Lesson in Politeness," ^Program for Roosevelt's Birthday," "Boy Wanted," "Heljiing Santa Claus," "Aunt Phoebe's Nerves," and many others. These are for all grades up to gram- mar. An abundance of choice recitations for all the grades. Price 40c. Merry Rhymes of Little Folks' Times By Margaret A. Fassitt. In this collection of choice Jj^'e gems we present 40 short poems which are real 'Kiddie" talk. They can be used as recitations by little people or- as child impersonations by adults. By the way, they will make good reading for mothers and fathers at any time. "The Red Head," "Reflec- tions of a Pup," "I Wish I Had a Ginger Cake," When You Ask About Your Fixin's," "Our Twins," and many others will mr.ke you laugh. Price, 40c. Comforting Her Patient By Mrs. W. M. Carruth. Tells how an "impractical" nurse unloads her own and others' troubles on her helpless patient. A good number. Price 15c. Gossip in Slowville By E. Haskell. Depicts the sayings of the village gos- , *'P ^f " makes a very effective reading. Price 15c. T he Spinsterhood of Mary A humorous number by Rhoda Barclay. Tells of Mary s resolve to live and die an old maid and her sudden change of mind. Price, 15c. Mrs. Swattem Attends the Convention This monolog by Rhoda Barclay is an account of the many complaints of Mrs. Swattem while at the con- vention. Her sharp tongue wags industriously, if not truthfully. Price, 15c. Eldridge Entertainment House FRANKLIN. OHIO also DENVER. COLO. 944 S. Logan St. S^ The Fickle Professor (Being the Romance, in Pantomime, of a Fickle Professor, an Empty-headed Freshman, and an Erudite Junior.) A Pantomimed Reading By ALICE GAY JUDD Copyright 1922, Eldridge EntertainmeBt Hem*. PUBLISHED BY ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE Franklin, Ohio Denver, Colo. 944 S. Logan St. ^^^ ^ CHARACTERS : Marcus Aurelius Smythe, Professor Jane Long, Junior Maybelle Sweet, Freshman The Reader Costumes: — The Present Time. Stage Settings: — Representation of a lawn. DEC 30 \'Htl ©CtO 63232 TMP9t-CC6381 •oi S \ The Fickle Professor The Reader — This is a pantomime. A pantomime is a play where the actors do not talk, but where they make you understand what they are doing by their act- ing. But we were afraid you might not understand the acting, so we are reading you the story, while the actors interpret it. The actors in this pantomime (Actors enter as they are introduced, how woodct^ly and exit.) are Marcus Aurelius Smythe, Professor of the dead and dying lan- guages, in a perfectly respectable college for females. Maybelle Sweet, an up-to-the-minute freshman, who has absolutely nothing in her head, not even a shadow. Jane Long, an erudite Junior, whose feet, even, are heavy with learning. You have now been introduced to the charac- ters of our pantomime; so we will proceed to the story. One afternoon, Maybelle Sweet comes sauntering gracefully as a young gazelle, across the campus, and sits her down behind a tree, to attend to certain necessary duties connected with the make-up of her face. Profes- sor Smythe walks abroad upon the campus that same aft- ernoon, and meets Jane Long, whose feet are thought- fully taking her in the opposite direction. When Pro- fessor Smythe meets Jane, he perceives that she has a noble mind and no style; but he does not yet know that she has no style, not having thus far seen Maybelle Sweet. Just as the Professor comes opposite Jane, she stubs her toe and sinks gracefully at his feet, Maybelle is interrupted in her devotions by the dull thud of Jane's fall, and she peeps around the tree in time to see the rest of the act. The Professor is greatly em- barrassed by Jane's fall, but seeing such a noble damsel in distress, he helps her to arise. Jane also is greatly embarrassed, and stammers and blushes as she thanks The Fickle Professor the Professor, and then rushes madly away ; as madly as her heavy feet will carry her. The Professor gazes after her with awe upon his countenance, and when she is out of sight, he sighs and sighs, and clasps his heart, and looks all about to see if he can find some memento of his meeting with Jane. He finds the stone against which she stubbed her luckless toe, and, picking it up, he wraps it carefully in his hand- kerchief and puts it in the pocket nearest his heart. Then, he, too, passes on. Maybelle watches the Professor out of sight, and rocks herself back and forth with glee. All at once a thought enters her empty head, and she clasps her hand to it, to hold it, so that it will not get away. Taking out a noebook, she writes, with many a frown, for it is hard work to think, a flowery note to Jane, which she signs with the Professor's name, and a foolish note from Jane to the Professor which she signs with Jane's name. Then, putting them into envelopes, she addresses them, and rising, does a few dancing steps, and hurries gracefully away to mail her epistles. The next day comes Jane, tripping as lightly as her heavy feet will let her, happy smiles upon her face, por- ing over the Professor's letter. And from the opposite direction comes the Professor, his head bent low over Jane's letter, and from the third direction comes May- belle Sweet, slipping softly to hide behind a tree, to watch the effect of her one thought upon her victims. The Professor's head bent low over Jane's letter, Jane's eyes glued to the flowery epistle of the Professor, they come together with a shock, and stand staring fool- ishly at each other. Maybelle hugs herself with glee. The brilliant Jane and the guileless Professor stammer and bow and apologize, and finally the Professor invites Jane to sit with him upon a convenient bench. Jane gives him coy glances, and the Professor vigorously blows his nose, and crosses and uncrosses his legs, and twiddles his fingers, and finally he starts an engrossing conversation about the dead languages, which enthralls Jane, who lis- The Fickle Professor tens open-mouthed to his mighty wisdom. Finally, reluc- tantly, Jane says that she must go, and they walk slowly, slowly from sight. Maybelle Sweet creeps out from be- hind her tree, and dances away after them. Next morning comes the Professor, hurrying, look- ing quietly about as if afraid of being seen. From his pocket he slips a letter, reads it over carefully, looks about to see if anyone approaches, and hides it in the tree. Then he hurries away, guiltily as he came. Maybelle Sweet approaches stealthily, looks about, to see that no one sees her, hunts and finds the letter, reads it and returns it carefully to its place. Then, in roguish glee, she does an impromptu dance, until in the distance she espies the erudite Jane, whereupon she fades away. Presently arrives Jane, searches embarressedly until she finds the letter, reads it with simperings and blushes, and hurries away, her heavy feet thudding lightly on the ground. Late that afternoon comes the interested Maybelle to her place behind the tree. Soon the Professor is seen hur- rying along, anxiously scanning the landscape with his near-sighted eyes. Presently he espies Jane in the dis- tance and hurries to meet her, and leads her to a seat under the tree. Then spreading his handkerchief care- fully upon the ground, he falls gracefully on his knees upon it, and holding Jane's hands, he proposes to her. He grows very earnest, and waves his arms and beats his breast to assure Jane of the strength and reliability of his love. Jane listens with delight, and when he fin- ishes his fervid declaration, she throws her arms about his neck, and kisses him on both cheeks. This almost upsets the Professor, and it is with difficulty that he regains his feet, and seats Jane and then himself upon the bench. He puts his arm around her, and Jane puts her head on his shoulder and tries to look coyly at him. The Professor puts his hand in his pocket and takes out a little box, which he opens and shows to Jane. She clasps her hands in delight when she sees it, for it is a ring. The Professor then takes it out of the box and sol- emnly slips it on Jane's finger. The Fickle Professor He holds her hand tenderly and both admire it. Then Jane turns away from the Professor and holds her hand out and turns it about to watch the ring sparkle. Just at this critical moment, Maybelle Sweet sneez^as three times. The Professor is startled, and turns quickly in the direction of the noise, but Jane does not hear it, and con- tinues to admire her ring. When the Professor turns in the direction of the noise, he nnds Maybelle looking at him from behind the tree. He has never seen Maybelle before, and he in- stantly sees that she is very beautiful (like an empty- headed doll, only he does not know that). He instantly understands, also, that Jane is not beautiful, and she has no style such as Maybelle has, and he wonders how he ever could have fallen in love with her. Jane speaks to him, but he does not hear her; he is looking into May- belle's eyes. Jane shakes his arm a little, but still he does not notice. Then she sees that he is absorbed in looking at something, so she stands up to see what it is, and she sees Maybelle Sweet, and the Professor looking into her eyes. Then in her wrath she seizes the Pro- fessor and shakes him, so that he is compelled to look at her; and she hurls scornful words at him, and plucks the ring off her finger, and throws it at him, and stamps heavily away. But the Professor does not heed her. He picks up the ring and goes toward Maybelle^ holding it out to- ward her. She pats her hair and smooths her dress, and allows the Professor to put his arm around her, and the ring on her finger, and then he kisses her. Just as the Professor kisses Maybelle, Jane looks back and sees them, and she grinds her teeth and stamps her foot and vanishes, while the Professor and Maybelle walk slowly out of sight. New JuvenOe Entertainments A-B-C-Capers By Soemple. Here is an attractive and novel number for the Primary Grades or Kindergarten. Little Tim's despair in not beings able to master letters is turned to keen interest by the antics of the alphabet troupe. Plays about 20 minutes. Price, 25c. Emily's Dream By Mary Frix Kidd. This is the story of a Geogra- phy lesson, which, instead of being irksome, was, through the medium of a Good Fairy, made very in- teresting. This is done by presenting a Geographical Pageant. For a large number of children, who pre- sent drills, exercises, etc., in costumes of different nations. Time, about 1 hour. Price, 25c. The Love Flower By Bell Elliott Palmer. A very pretty exercise for 6 or 10 girls and 1 boy. Suitable for Children's Day or Easter, and can be given either in or out of doors. Time, 10 minutes. Price, ISc. The Silver Sandals By Banche Thompson. Ths is a charming new play for 6 boys, 5 girls, fairies, peasants, attendants, etc. The Princess is downhearted and refuses to be con- soled. The fiddler plays, peasants do folk-dances, fai- ries drill, but not until she gets the silver sandals is she contented. Plays 1 hour or more. Price, 25c. When Betty Saw the Pilgrims By Margaret Howard. A pretty story showing how dissatisfied Betty v/as cured by her mother, who tells the story of the hardships of the Pilgrims, which is illustrated by ten tableaux. Large numbers of chil- dren can be used. Plays about 30 minutes. Price, 25c. Princess Rosy Cheeks By Effie Sammond Balph. A "good health" play for children, which is very impressive. Introduces Fresh Air Fairies, Soap and Water Fairies, Tooth Brush Brigade, Food Fairies, Rest Fairies, and others. Good- sized cast required with two older children. Plays about 1 hour. Price, 35c. Queen Loving Heart By Jean Ross. A splendid children's play, teaching many good lessons. A pretty story of the crowning of Loving Heart, her capture by the Indians and sub- sequent release, because of her kindness. Can be used for May Day play. 11 speaking parts, Indians, etc. Plays about 45 minutes. Price, 25c. Eldridge Entertainment House FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 944 S. Logan St. (f=L HALLOWE'EN HIURITY HINTS Good Things To Keep The Ball Rolling A Bunch of Stunts for Hallowe'en A new book of doings, contributed by many wide- awake writers. Covers almost any kind of festival, party or entertainment you wish to give. Drills, games, stunts, decorations, etc. Price, 75c. The Fairy and the Witch A 1-act allegorical sketch for Hallo^ve'en, by A. D. Nelson. 1 adult, male or female, and any number of children. In this very picturesque little play, the Black Witch of Hallowe'en falls under the spell of the White Fairy and superstition gives way to rea- son. Time, about 20 minutes. Price, 25c. The Frolic of the Witches By Juanita Mae Culp. This is a clever little drill es- pecially adapted for Hallowe'en. Introduces flash- lights and brooms, and is for 11 girls. Price, 25c. Guess Who Song and Drill Something novel. Price, 25c. The Haunted Gate By £dith Wormwood. A clever play for Hallowe'en. The capture of the ghosts furnishes a good climax to the play. 3 males, 7 females. Plays from 30 to 45 minutes. Price, 35c. Jimmy's Ghosts By Cecil J. Richmond. A sketch for children. Five speaking parts with chorus of witches. Can easily be given in any school room. Price, 15c Scarecrows A -Roaming An eccentric drill. Price, 25c. What To Do on Hallowe'en Compiled by Juanita Mae Culp. This is a really good collection of helpful suggestions for this occasion. Suggestions for decorations, menus, parties, games, stunts, recipes, a play or two, and other good things. Purchasers will find themselves relieved from worry and trouble concerning Hallowe'en. Price, 40c. Fun With Fortune Telling Compiled by Mrs. G. L. Henson. Here is a book that will furnish fun and interest for any social gathering. Every one is interested in their "fortune" and this book is arranged to give you pleasure, either individ- ually or as a crowd. Price, 50c. Eldridge Entertainment House FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 944 S. Logan St. ^ Some Bright New Christmas Material First Aid to Santa By Ethel Sexton. A mighty bright playlet for 3 boys, 2 girls and 10 acting dolls (girls and boys). Plays 30 or 40 minutes. Price, 25c. The Christinas Chain By Lillian Pearson. A pretty sketch for 14 or more children. The Christmas Angel shows her complete Christmas Chain to two selfish sisters with happy re- sults. Plays about 20 minutes. Price 25c. How the Christmas Song Was Found 3y Lillian Pearson. A simple, but beautiful sketc!' for any number of children, 12 required. Shows the real spirit of Christmas and tells how the glad Christmas song was found. Time, 20 to 30 minutes. For day schools or church entertainments. Price 25c. Mr. Richey Changes His Mind By Lee Owen Snook. Story of a crabbed, wealthy employer and how at Christmas time the memory of his mother changed his attitude toward his employes from that of a "driver" to a considerate comrade. An unexpected romance develops. 4 males, 4 females, and others, either high school or adults. Plays about 20 minutes. Price, 25c. The Little Stranger A moving picture Christmas play, I;- Edna Randolph Worrell. This is really a pantomirrto, the different scenes being eithar announced or show;i c r> screen by stereopticon. 4 scenes "The Night Before Christ- mas Home of Orphan Children," "The Little Stran- ger at the Door," "The Little Stranger Entertains," "Christmas Morning." A pretty entertainm3nt for any number of children. Plays about 30 minutes. 25c. Ten Good Christmas Pantoniin:ies By Ethel Eldridge. A collection that "will add novelty and effectiveness to your program. Specific direc- tions for pantomiming some well-known hymns, songs and recitations — "Silent Night," ."Little Town of Bethlehem," "When Good Old Kris Comes 'Round," "Favorite Carols," etc. Contains the music also. 40c. Eldridge Entertainment House FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 944 S. Logan St. New Song-Recitations HERE is a list of very clever child- impersonations or good encores for children. The lines are by Margaret Fassitt, the music by Anna and Harry C. Eldridge. They will be winners on your program. Ain't It The limit? ) ._ When You Ask About Your Fixins I soc Both in one number It Santa Shouldn't Come To Mel _ I've Been And Had The Measles ) "soc Both in one number I Wish I Had A Ginger-cake ) Our Twins ) soc Both in one number Both in one number When Grandpop Was A Boy ) When Daddy Took Me Up y .„ In A 'Plane J Eldridge Entertainment House FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 944 S. L»g*u St. ^E