HDENISON L COMPANY PUBLISHERS CHICAGO DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Large Catalosue Free. Price 15c each. Postpaid, Unless Different Price is Given V DRAMAS, COMEDIES, ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. M. F.. Aaron Boggs, Freshman, 3 acts, 2/2 hrs (2Sc) 8 8 Abbu San of Old Japan, 2 acts, 2 hrs. ....(25c) 15 After the Game, 2 acts, U4 hrs. (25c) 1 9 All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 4 4 All for the Cause, 1 act, IM hrs. (25c) 10 All on Account of Polly, 3 acts, 2V, hrs (25c) 6 1Q And Home Came Ted, 3 acts, 214 hrs (35c) 6 6 Arizona Cowboy, 4 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 7 5 As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 9 7 At the End of the Rainbow, 3 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 6 14 Boy Scout Herb, 2 acts, 1)4 hrs. (25c) ......17 Boy Scouts' Good Turn, 3 acts, HA hrs (25c) 16 2 Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2;4 hrs (25c) 7 3 Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 7 4 Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2J4 h. (25c) 7 4 Call of the Colors, 2 acts, 1 % hrs (25c) 4 10 Call of Wohelo, 3 acts, II4 hrs (25c) 10 Camouflage of Shirley, 3 acts, 2^ hrs .....(35c) 8 10 Civil Service, 3 acts, 2^^, hrs. (25c) 6 5 College Town, 3 acts, 2 '4 hrs. (25c) 9 8 Danger Signal, 2 acts; 2 hrs.. 7 4 Daughter of the . Desert. 4 acts, 2% hrs. (25c) 6 4 Deacon Dubbs, 3 acts, 2^4 hrs. (25c) .; 5 5 Deacon Entangled, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 6 4 Down in Dixie, 4 acts, 2'^ hrs (25c) 8 4 Dream That Came True, 3 acts, 2% hrs:' (25c) 6 13 Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr....(25c) 10 Enchanted Wood, 1 >.1 h.(35c).Optnl. Everyyouth, 3 acts, V/2 h. (25ci 7 6 Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 4 4 Fifty-Fifty, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (35c) 6 8 Fun on the Podunk Limited, IVz hrs. ....(25c) 9 14 M. F. Her Honor, the Mayor, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 3 5 High School Freshman, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 12 Indian Days, 1 kr (50c) 5 2 In Plum Valley, 4 acts, 2J4 . hrs. (25c) 6 4 Jayville Junction, 1% hrs.(25c) 14 17 Kicked Out of College, 3 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 10 9 Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 acts, 2]4 hrs (25c.) 6 12 Lady of the Library, 3 acts, 2 . hrs ...(25c) 5 10 Laughing Cure, 2 acts, 1)4 hrs. (25c) 4 5 Lighthouse Nan, 3 acts, 2J4 hrs (25c) 5 4 Littk Buckshot, 3 acts, 2^ hrs. (25c) 7 4 Little Clodhopper, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 3 4 Mirandy's Minstrels. . . . (25c) Optnl. Mrs. Tubbs Does Her Bit, 3 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 7 7 Mrs.' Tubbs of Shanty town, 3 acts, 21/i hrs (25c) 4 7 Old Fashioned Mother, 3 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 6 6 Old Maid's Club, IJ^ hrs. (25c) 2 16 Old Oaken Bucket, 4 acts, 2 hrs. .. (25c) 8 6 Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 114 hrs (25c) 12 9 On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 21/2 hrs (?Sc)10 4 Poor I*»Iarried Man, 3 acts, 2 hrs <. .(2Sc) 4 4 Prairie Rose, 4 acts, 2]^ h.(25c) 7 4 Rummage .Sale, '50 min. .,*.... 410 Rustic Romeo, 2 acts, 2J4 hrs. _ (25c) 10 12 Safety First, 3 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 5 5 Savageland, 2 acts, 2J4 hrs. (50c) 5 5 vSchool Ma'am, 4 acts, l.)4 hrs. 6 5 Sewing for tlie Heathen, 40 min. 9 Southern Cinderella, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 7 Spark of Life, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 4 '4 Spell of the Image, 3 acts, 2i/< hrs. ..; (25c)10 10 Star Bright, 3 acts, 2^4 h. (25c) 6 5 Teacher, Kin I Go Home? 2 scenes, 35 min , 7 3 Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 6 4 Threaxl of Destiny, 3 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 9 16 Tonv, the Convict, 5 acts, 2y^ hrs (25c) 7 4 T.S.DENISON&COMPANY,Publishers,154W.RandolphSt.. Chicago HANDS ALL ROUND A PATRIOTIC PLAY IN ONE ACT BY IRENE JEAN CRANDALL AUTHOR OF ''For Freedom " CHICAGO T. S. DENISON & COMPANY Publishers f53SO^ HANDS ALL ROUND CHARACTERS. Mr. Matthew Austin A Succcssfid Business Man Fra^k The Son /Mrs. Austin The Wife Stella The Daughter Nancy Wheelock The Girl Across the Street Katie O'Brien Cook at the Austins' Time — A Bright Saturday Afternoon in June, ipiS. Place — The Austins' Living-Room. Time of Vi.AYi^G~About Thirty-five Minutes. COPYRIGHT, 1918, BY IRENE JEAN CRANDALL. Amateurs may produce this play without payment of roy- alty. All other rights reserved. ©CLD 50671 NOV '1 1918 •^t \ HANDS ALL ROUND STORY OF THE PLAY. Mrs. Austin is grieving because her only son Frank has been away from home nine months and no word has come from him. He was expelled from college, quarreled with his father and disappeared. Mrs. Austin watches for a let- ter and never loses faith in her boy. Mr. Austin is bitter against Frank and says he will never forgive him. He wishes for a service flag in the window even if the blue star turned to gold. Stella, Frank's sister, is doing a little war work, but is frivolous and is not willing to take up any serious duties. She comes in to show her mother a new hat and her father reproaches her for extravagance in war times. Mr. Austin tells his wife that the night Frank left home some money that he had hidden in the library table disappeared. He is sure that Frank took the money and went on a trip to Honolulu. This is Frank's nineteenth birthday and Katie, the Irish cook, has made a birthday cake for him. She believes that he is coming home, because a fortune teller said so. Nancy Wheelock," the girl who lives across the street, comes in to bring Stella some old kid gloves to- line aviators' jackets. Since her brother Tom has enlisted she has taken his job in tlie machine shop. "We girls must hold the home lines until the boys come back." Nancy reads a letter from a college friend who is a nurse in one of the cantonments and pleads with Stella to become a nurse, but the indolent society girl is not willing to make the sacrifice. Stella tells Nancy, whO' believes that Frank has enlisted, that he took some money the night he left home. Nancy, unshaken in her faith in him, determines to prove him innocent. She searches the table drawer and at last finds the money. Stella calls her mother and father, and just after Frank's honesty is proved, he appears at the door in a uniform. His mother, Nancy and Stella welcome him with joy, but his father holds aloof. Frank has been seriously wounded and his account of the French hospital, added to the appeal that Nancy has 4 HANDS ALL ROUND made, stirs Stella's better nature and sne announces her in- tention of becoming a nurse. As Mr. Austin listens to Frank's story of air fighting in France his pride in the boy banishes all other feelings and he goes to him with forgiveness. The climax comes when the young aviator shows- his war cross and the mother's and father's cup of joy is full. COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS. Mr. Austin is a man of fifty with gray hair and a stern and commanding manner, tie wears a summer business suit. Frank Austin is an attractive, happy-go-lucky fellow of nineteen, with winning ways. His right arm is disabled. He wears a uniform. The Publishers advise that his costume have such varia- tions as not to interfere in any way with the Government regulations regarding the wearing of uniforms. It is, of course, inferred that such costumes will be procured from a costumer who undoubtedly will be able to supply something that will answer the purpose and avoid any criticism. Mrs. Austin is a sweet, motherly woman of forty-five with hair slightly touched with gray. She wears a summer dress appropriate for a middle-aged woman in prosperous circumstances. Stella Austin is a frivolous society girl of twenty-four. She has an indifferent, indolent manner. She wears a sty- lish light afternoon dress. Nancy Wheelock is nineteen, full of life, spirit and originality. She has independence, charm and warmth of feeling. She wears a simple shirt waist and skirt and a sailor hat. Katie O'Brien is an Irish cook, about forty years old. She has red hair and bright eyes. She wears a blue cotton dress and a large kitchen apron. HANDS ALL ROUND PROPERTIES. Library table with books, magazines and papers, small sewing table, four or five chairs, low stool, window curtains and small stand with vase of flowers. Newspaper and garden spade for Mr. Austin. Knitting and handkerchief for Mrs. Austin. Hat, box of old kid gloves and fancy bath towel for Stella. Birthday cake for Katie. Traveling bag and war cross for Frank. Long white kid gloves, letter, magazine and greenbacks for Nancy. Scene Plot. jf_ j_j 1 WiiiUuw 1 Q IDooil y Do?"* Flowers Cha.r \ / Library 1 — . Sewing \ Right / Table Chair □ 1 — I Table \ _Z.Chaira| |a Chair \ Door ^ J- a Low Stool tJ Chair Left \ STAGE DIRECTIONS. R. means right of stage; C, center; R. C, right center; L., left ; 1 E., first entrance ; U. E., upper entrance ; R. 3 E., right entrance, up stage, etc. ; up stage, away from foot- lights; down stage, near footlights. The actor is supposed to be facing the audience. HANDS ALL ROUND Scene: The living-room in the Austins' prosperous home in a small college tozvn. The room is tastefully fur- nished. Large library table with magazines and books at R. Snmll sewing table at L. zvith knitting materials. A chair on either side of library tabic. A chair on the right of sew- ing table. Another chair down L. A vase of garden flozv- ers on stand near windoiv. Door up R. leads into music room. Door down R. leads into kitchen. Door at L. C. opens outdoors. Before the curtain rises Stella is heard playing snatches of patriotic airs on tJie piano. At rise, Mrs. Austin is standing by the zvindow, evidently zvatcJiing for some one. She is a szveet, patient zvoman of forty-five, her hair just touched zvith gray. Mr. Austin, a large gray-haired man of fifty, is lounging in a comfortable chair to the L. of the library table, reading a nezvspapcr. .Stella, at the piano in the next room, cannot be seen. Mr. Austin's brozvs are zcrinkled into a frozen and there is a stern look about his mouth. He glances up from his paper and sees his zvife standing by the zvindozv. Mr. Austin. Are you expecting somebody, Ma? You've been looking out of that window for fifteen minutes. (Mrs. Austin turns toward him zvith a sad, patient expression on her face.) Mrs. Austin. I was watching for the postman. He's late this afternoon. Mr. A. (gruffly). Humph! Watching for him won't bring him. Mrs. a. I know that, but I like to go to the door myself when he rings the bell. Here he is, coming up the street now. (Turning from the zvindozv zvith deep disappoint- ment.) Oh, he is going by. Mr. a. (looks at his zvife with keen eyes as she goes to the little sezving fable at L., takes up her knitting and sits 6 HANDS ALL ROUND ' 7 dozvn to the R. of the table). You're foolish, Mary — al- ways looking for the letter that never comes. Mrs. a. But I can't give up hoping, Matthew. I knoK' we'll hear from Frank some day, Mr. a. (sternly). It's nine months since he disappeared and he hasn't sent us one word in all that time. Mrs. a. {gently). You were so angry with him, Mat- thew, that the boy felt he was not wanted at home any more. Mr. a. Angry. Of course I was angry. He disgraced me. Mrs. a. It was only a college scrape. Frank is not a bad boy; just full of life and fun. (Mr. a. gets up and zvalks the floor in his excitement.) Mr. a. He's an idle, good-for-nothing fellow. What has he ever done but spend my hard earned money ? Mrs. a. {with szveet remonstrance). You haven't given him time. He's only a boy. Mr. a. Haven't given him time, you say? When I was his age I had been earning my living for three years. Mrs. a. He's nineteen. Today is his birthday. {The tears come to her eyes and she dries them zvith her handker- chief.) Mr. a. I'm disappointed in my children, both of them. All my life I've worked hard, saved and made money, and what does it all amount to? My son has disgraced me and my daughter does nothing but buy clothes and go to dances and — what do you call those parties where women stand around and chatter? Mrs. a. Teas? Mr. a. Yes — teas — coffees — cocoas — and all the other silly doings. Mrs. a. Stella is a sweet girl. Mr. a. There she is in there now, drumming on the piano. Mrs. a. (proudly). She plays as well as any girl in town. She is an accomplished young lady. Mr. a. And think what I paid for her (scornfull\i) ac- complishments. I wish mv children would do somethinsf 8 ' HANDS ALL ROUND useful. {Musing.) Perhaps, if I hadn't had any money to spend on them they would be different. There are the Wheelocks across the street. Tom had a good position and supported his mother before the war and now he has en- listed. And Nancy is a plucky girl, who has always made her own way. Mrs. a. I knozv the children will turn out all right. Stella has taken up some war work. Mr. a. (interrupting). Playing at it — filling in time be- tween luncheons and bridge parties. Mrs. a. Wait, Matthew, and you will be proud of the children some day. We must have faith in them. We mothers know that. From the time we guide their stum- bling little feet and try to teach them to walk in the right way until we come to the end of the road we have to have patience and faith. Mr. a. But that won't make a man of Frank now. Mrs. a. It may. Mr. a. (stubbornly) . No — he has disobeyed me and I will never forgive him — never. I don't want to hear his name. Mrs. a. Soften your heart, Matthew. Stella, in a pretty sunuiier dress, comes in from U. R. She is tiventy-foiir, frivolous and indifferent. She carries a stylish and expensive hat in her hand. Stella. See my new hat, mother! Isn't It a beauty? Mrs. a. Very pretty, dear. Mr. a. How much did it cost? Stella. The bill comes later. Mr. a. I thought you said you were going to stop buy- ing hats and give the money to the Red Cross. Stella (yazvning). Life in this town is such a bore that shopping is my only excitement. But this is positively my last extravagance. I saw it in the window and it was such a love of a hat I couldn't resist the temptation. Mr. a. No, you never go without anything you want. But in war times you must be more economical. Stella. Well, you give to the Red Cross and subscribe to the Liberty Loan. (She puts her new hat on the seiving HANDS ALL ROUND 9 table, takes up a box of old kid gloves, sits dozvn in chair down L. and begins to sort the gloz'es.) Mr. a. And so does everybody else. Go down to the Flats and you will see a Liberty Loan card in every labor- er's window. Every man of them doing his bit. (He goes to windozv.) I look across the street and see the service flag that hangs in the Wheelock's window for Tom and I'd give half my factory to have a service flag here — even if the blue star turned to gold. Mrs. a. (goes to her husband and puts her hand on his shoidder. Gently.). I understand, Matthew, but perhaps our boy is serving his country somewhere. Mr. a. Then why doesn't he write? Mrs. a. He will some day. Mr. a. {sitting doimi by library table). Yes. (Sarcas- tically.) He may send a postcard from Honolulu. Mrs. a. (agitated). Matthew, are you keeping anything from me ? Have you found out something about Frank that you haven't told me? Mr. a. (slowly). Yesterday I saw Harry Adams, one of Frank's old pals, and he told me that he was sure that Frank was taking a pleasure trip to Honolulu. Mrs. a. I don't believe it. He wouldn't take a pleasure trip now. He's not a slacker. Mr. a. (bitterly). I wish I had your faith in him. Young Adams had good evidence. He knows a fellow who met Frank in New York and heard him say he was going to get his ticket. Mrs. a. (taking up her knitting again). How could he buy a ticket for Honolulu ? He didn't have the money. Mr. a. (bitterly). Oh, he took plenty of money with him. Mrs. a. What do you mean, Matthew? Mr. a. (after a moment's hesitation). I didn't want to tell you, Mary, until I felt sure, but now I don't see how I can he mistaken. The night Frank went away I brought home a package of bills from the factory and hid it in that drawer between the pages of a magazine. {Pointing to drazver in 10 HANDS ALL ROUND ^^ library table.) The money came in after banking hours. The next morning the money and Frank had disappeared. Noth- ing else in the house had been disturbed. Mrs. a. {stunned by the blow). I can't beheve that our boy took the money. Mr. a. Who else could have taken it? Certainly not Katie. Mrs. a. No, Katie has been with us for years and she is as honest as daylight. Oh, I can't understand, but I know the boy didn't mean to do wrong. Katie, the Irish cook, appears at the door down R. She wears a blue cotton zvork dress and a large kitchen apron. She is about forty and has red hair, bright eyes and quick ways. Katie. Oh, Missus Austin, will ye come and see the birthday cake? It's riz fine. Mr. a. {sharply). Birthday cake? Mrs. a. Yes, we've always had one for Frank and I couldn't let the day go by even if the boy — {breaks down and cries). Katie. Niver moind, M'am, it's a grand cake. I've bin making cake for Master Frank iver since he was thot high {holding her hand at height of five-year-old boy) and this is the grandest oine I've iver made. "Katie," he'd say, ''you're the best cook in this town," and thin I'd give him anither piece. Fine boy, Master Frank. Mr. a. {getting up to hide his emotion). I'm going to work in my war garden. This warm weather is making the weeds grow like the dickens. {He goes out.) Katie {goes up to Mrs. A. and speaks to her sympathet- ically). Don't be so sad, M'am. I'll tell ye something. Mrs. a. What is it, Katie? Katie {niysterionsly). Master Frank's coming home. Mrs. a. {sadly). I know, Katie, some time. Katie {zvith confidence). He's coming today. Stella {looking up). Have you secret information, Katie? HANDS ALL ROUND 11 Katie. Thot's what I have, Miss Stella. Last night I wint to thot fortune teller I told ye about. Mrs. a. For shame, Katie. That's superstitious. Katie. But she's a wonderful woman. She sat there and looked at the cairds and looked at me and thin she told me just whot I was thinking in me own moind. Stella. Did she say anything about Frank? {She goes to the zvindoiv and rearranges flowers in the rase.) Katie. I'm coming to thot. She looked at the cairds and she said, "I see a young mon. I don't think he's a re- lation." I spoke up, "Shure, he's not a relation, he's a frind." She looks kind of queer like and goes on. "He's far away, but he's coming nearer, nearer, nearer." (Tri- umphantly.) And he is. Mrs. a. I wonder where he is today. In the night I lie awake thinking of him — wondering what he is doing out in the world, so far away. If he is sick and suffering is there anyone to take care of him, anyone to minister to him? Oh, my boy ! Katie (zvipes her eyes on her apron and tJien smiles). This morning whin I was doing the breakfast dishes I dropped the dish towel and thot's a sure sign somebody's coming, Stella {looking out of the zvindoiv). Yes, Nancy Whee- lock is coming across the street now. Katie {undaunted) . These signs mean something. You'll see. Mrs. a. {rising). Come, Katie, we'll go in the kitchen and look at the cake. Katie. Yes, Ma'm, and make the frosting. Mrs. a. Not frosting. You know the Food Adminis- trator in Washington doesn't want us to use sugar for frost- ing cakes. Katie. And, shure, hoo'U he know? Mrs. a. We want to obey his rules and help the soldiers. Katie. Shure, I want to help the brave boys thot's fight- ing, but I think thot Food Mon in Washington has got a 12 HANDS ALL ROUND big job bossing all the cooks in this country. (Mrs. A. goes out door R., folloived by Katie.) Nancy Wheelock comes in from L. She is about nine- teen, vivacious, independent and attractive. She is like a fresh breeze on a summer day, ivith buoyancy in her step and merriment in her eyes. She zvears a simple shirt zvaist and skirt and a sailor hat. She carries an old pair of long white kid gloves and a monthly magazine. Nancy. Here, Stella, I've brought you a pair of gloves for the aviators' jackets. Stella. Oh, good. I need some more. My cousin in Chicago writes that there is great need for these aviators' jackets lined with kid gloves. They are so warm and dura- ble. (Coming dozen to C.) Nancy, won't you take off your hat and sit down? Nancy. No, thank you, I'm too busy, but since I had a little time off this afternoon, I thought I would stop in with the gloves. (Going up to Stella.) I'm contributing my one and only pair. I don't need party gloves any more. I can't eVen afford the gasoline to clean them. (Looking at tJie gloves zvitJi a reminiscent smile.) Do you know when I bought these? Stella. No, tell me. Nancy. It was last year. I had an invitation to the Freshman hop. Stella. You went with Frank, didn't you ? Nancy. Yes, and I wanted him to think I looked as well as the other girls. I couldn't aft'ord a new dress and I said to myself, "Nancy Wheelock, make over your white dress, buy a pair of long kid gloves and hold your head high." Buying the gloves was the hardest part for me, but I saved enough from what I earned waiting on table in the college dining-room to pay for them. {She tosses the gloves to Stella, zvho catches them.) Goodbye, dear souvenirs of days that are passed. Oh, here's that magazine I borrowed ages ago. Stella. You didn't need to return it. HANDS ALL ROUND 13 Nancy. There was some special article in it I wanted to read, but I've forgotten what it was and have been too busy to even look in it. {She lays magazine on table.) Stella {sighing as she puts the gloves on the library table). We can't have so many good times now that most of the boys are gone. Nancy. Men in this town are growing scarcer and scarcer, but we can't stop to drop any tears on the dear, departed "good times." There's too much to do. The boys are in France fighting for us and the girls they've left be- hind them must do work to win the war. Stella {lackadaisically). Of course we must do some- thing, but there is so little for women to do. Nancy {facing her in indignant surprise). Stella Austin, how can you say that there is so little to do, when America needs the whole woman power of the nation. Our boys are fighting and we must back them. Stella. How ? Nancy. The boys had to leave their jobs behind them and we must take up their work. We may have to put on overalls and get our hands dirty; but we'll do it {zvith de- termination) ; we'll do the hardest kind of work to win this war. Stella. But you have always worked. It's easy for you. Nancy. No, it isn't easy but I'm glad I have the chance to work. Stella. You've always had pluck. Nancy {laughing). I need it now. I have a man's job. Stella. Where ? Nancy. I have taken Tom's place in the machine shop. Stella. What queer work for a girl! Nancy {showing her hands). See, my hands show the signs of my trade — they're rough and calloused ; but what difference does it make? {With deep feeling.) Some of the boys are giving their hands — their arms — their eyes — their lives. Oh, Stella, we girls must hold the home lines until the boys come back. 14 HANDS ALL ROUND ^Stella. But women should keep to their own line of work. Nancy [going toward the sezving table). There's no time now for women to be doing little fiddling things — punching holes in doilies and sewing them up again or embroidering bath towels when our boys in the trenches can't even get a bath. {She picks up a fancy bath tozvel that lies on the sezv- ing table and Stella snatches it away from her.) Caught in the act. {With a laugh.) Stella. ^Vell, even if I spend time on what you call fiddling things, I'm doing my bit, too. (Throws dozvn the tozvel and sits in chair to L. of library table.) Nancy. It's not our bit, but our best that Uncle Sam asks. Stella {becoming thoughtful). Our best? But Uncle Sam isn't asking anything of me. Nancy. Oh, yes, he is. Every young woman in America must enlist. Stella {surprised). Enlist? Nancy. The nation's call has come to the women and throughout the length and breadth of the country they are answering, ''America, we are here." (She takes a letter from her bag.) You remember Jane Sheldon, who was a senior last year? Stella. Yes, Senator Sheldon's daughter, the most pop- ular girl in college. ^ Nancy. ^ I used to wait on her and she's a trump. (Sit- ting in chair to right of sezving table.) I had this letter from her this morning. She's nursing in one of the cantonments. She writes : 'To live and to work here is a privilege ; it means roughing and pioneering, I admit, but that is what makes the work worth while. It's a joy to do for these brave boys." Then she tells of the great need of nurses, at home, in the cantonments, and in France. The training schools are sending out a call for recruits. (Wistfidly.) I should love to be a nurse, but I know that I must hold Tom's job here and support mother, while he is over there. HANDS ALL ROUND 15 Stella. Oh, I couldn't be a nurse. I've always had people do for me, instead of doing for others. Nancy. That's just it. But this war is bringing a lot of changes. Labor is scarce. The rich can't have so many folks to wait oi^. them. I guess we'll all have to run our lives on the cafeteria, self-help plan. Stella. I've always hated those places where you have to wait on yourself. It seems so common to have to carry a tray and help yourself to the napkins and the food. Nancy. We ought to be glad of the chance to help our- selves to bread and butter. In Belgium, in France, in Rus- sia, Serbia and Poland, they are starving. Stella. But it's different here. We are used to having things. Nancy. When I was waiting on table I found out that some folks always had more than their share of the cream and so the rest had to take the skimmed milk. Now things are being evened up a bit and we all are going without for the sake of our soldier boys. (Rising and going tozvards C.) We are learning to pull together. It's hands all round. Stella (with zvonder) . Hands all round? Nancy. Yes, don't you see? Rich and poor, men and women, America and her allies — all in one great fellow- ship. Oh, Stella, don't you want to have a part in this? Doesn't your heart beat with the world heart? Stella (moved, hut still reluctant). Nancy, don't talk that way. You make me feel so selfish. Nancy. Think of what the boys are doing over there. How brave they are ! They are fighting, suffering, dying. Why, nearly all the boys in town have gone — Tom, Frank — Stella (sadly). Not Frank. Nancy. Yes, Frank. I know that somewhere he is play- ing the game, too. Wasn't he the best half-back on his team? He may have been a bit wild, but he always played fair, and I know that Frank Austin is not holding back when his country and the world need him. Stella. You're like mother, full of faith. 16 HANDS ALL ROUND Nancy. I know he's brave. Why, he's full of pluck and spirit. You remember how crazy he was about flying. Stella. Yes, that was one thing that got him in trouble in college. He skipped his exams to go out to the aviation held. Nancy. Well, I believe he has enlisted — in the army, the navy, the marines, the aviation corps — somewhere he is fighting for liberty. Stella. If he was going to enlist he wouldn't have left home in the way he did. Nancy. It's not a crime to be expelled from college for breaking a lot of foolish rules. Stella (significantly). That's not what I mean. Nancy. What do you mean? Stella. Father has just told us that Frank took a large roll of bills the night he disappeared. Nancy (thoughtful) . Where was the money? Stella (pointing to library table). In that drawer. Father brought it home from the factory because it was too late to deposit it in the bank and he hid it there. When he has to keep money in the house he always hides it in some place like that. Nancy. And why does he think Frank took it? Stella. Because no one else had been there. Nancy. Is he sure the money is gone? Stella. Why, of course. He hunted everywhere for it. Nancy. I never knew a man who could find anything. (Looks at table.) May I look in that drawer? Stella. Certainly, but it's foolish. I'm sure father must have looked thoroughly. (Nancy pulls out the drazver and begins to take out the things — papers, paper cutter, maga- cines, etc. Finally the drazver is empty and there is no sign of the money.) You see — the money is gone. Nancy {wrinkling her brozvs in thought). Were the bills flat or rolled? Stella. I don't know — flat, I think. Father usually hides them that way. HANDS ALL ROUND 17 Xancy {undaunted, takes up the juagazines and goes through them all but finds nothing and pauses). 1 know- Frank would not steal ; he's not that kind of a hoy. Yon are sure your father put the money in a magazine? Stella. Father has a perfect memory, he can't be mis- taken. Xaxcy. That magazine I brought back. It was in that drawer when you gave it to me. {She pounces on the maga- zine and sJiakes it open and a flat paekage of bills drops out.) Here's the mone}-. Stella (greatly excited). \\'hy, it must have been there all the time. Nancy. Of course. Frank never touched it. Stella (goes to door dozen R.). Oh, mother, come here. Nancy has found something. Nancy. The money is safe and you'll see that we'll have good news from Frank, too. Stella. Katie dropped the dish towel this morning and she says that means somebody is coming. Nancy. Who knows? Mrs. Austin comes in greatly excited and Stella holds up the money. Stella. Here's the money father thought Frank took. Mrs. a. (is speechless, then a-look of joy comes into her face and she sinks into a chair by the table). Oh, my boy — I'm so glad. Stella, call your father. He must know right now. Stella (goes to front door and calls). Father, mother wants you. Mrs. a. Xancy, I'm so grateful to you. Nancy. When Stella told me the story I was deter- mined to find the money, because I knew that Frank hadn't taken it. Mr. Austin comes in zi'ithout his coat, red in the face from icorking in the garden and carrying a spade. Mr. a. (hearing Nanc\^s last ivords). Hadn't taken what? 18 HANDS ALL ROUND Nancy (holding up the bills). This money. Mr. a. Where did you find that? Nancy. Between the leaves of this magazine which I borrowed of you months ago and never looked at it until just HOW. Mr. a. This is truly remarkable. Nancy. Somehow I am so excited about finding this money. (Joyfully.) I think I must feel as the woman in the parable did when she found the lost piece of silver — or the shepherd when he carried home that lost lamb. It seems as if we had found Frank. Mrs. a. Oh, Matthew, how could you believe that the boy took the money? Mr. a. I see now that I did him an injustice in this mat- ter, but he had done so many wild, reckless things I thought he might have done that, too. Mrs. a. (with intense feeling). If we could only see him and make things right. Mr. a. I can never forgive him, for not writing you and causing you so much worry. Mrs. a. Before he left he said that he would never trouble us again while we were ashamed of him. (A long clear zvhistle outside.) Nancy (going to the zvindozv). Listen. That whistle sounds familiar. They are all startled. Nancy looks out, smiles. The out- side door opens and Frank comes in.. He is a happy-go- lucky fellow of nineteen zvith zvinning zvays. He zvears a uniform. His right arm hangs helpless at his side. In his left hand he carries a traveling bag, zMch he sets dozen near the door. He stands at the door, smiling, but hesitating as if not sure of the zvelcome he znll receiz'e. For a moment all are speechless zvith surprise. Then Mrs. Austin rushes to him and throzvs her arms around him. Mrs. a. (zvith a cry of joy). Frank! Frank (kissing her zvith great feeling). Mother. HANDS ALL ROUND 19 Mrs. a. (releases him from her embrace and steps back a little to look at him). I'm so happy to have you again. [With gentle reproach.) I have looked and looked for a letter. Frank. I waited until I could bring you good news. ( JJlth a look at Jris father, who stands silent at R.) Until you would not be ashamed of me. Mrs. a. I have never lost faith in you, Frank, night or day. Frank (he puts his left arm around her affectionately). Well, it's all right now, isn't it, mother dear? You'll for- give me, won't you? (With a winning smile.) And love me a little ? Mrs. a. With my whole heart. Frank (looks at Nancy, who still stands by the zvindow and who has grown strangely shy). Nancy, I'm glad you're here. (Mrs. Austin goes over to speak to Mr. Austin as Nancy comes up to Frank. Nancy holds out both hands to Frank, who takes them in his left hand.) Nancy. Welcome home. I knew you would come in uniform. Frank. I couldn't keep out of a big thing like this war. Nancy (suddenly notices his helpless right arm). Oh, you've been hurt. Frank (keeping hold of her hands). Just a little acci- dent. I still have one good hand to hold yours. Nancy (pulling her hands azvay zvith a mischici'ous laugh). I didn't give them to you for keeps. Frank. I wish you would, Nan. The fire in your eyes is more dangerous than a Hun machine gun. Mrs. a. (comes up to Frank zvith motherly tenderness) . You're wounded, dear. You must be tired from your trip. (Stella moves the big chair from L. of library table to C.) Sit here and rest. (His mother pushes him gently into the chair and Stella leans oz'er and kisses him.) Frank. Hello, Sis, what have you been doing? Stella. Lining aViators' jackets with kid gloves. 20 HANDS ALL ROUND FraStk (laughing). I didn't know that you bad been working for me. (Mr. Austin still holds back. His face shozvs pride as he looks at his son in uniform, but his stubbornness keeps him rooted to his place. Once in a while Frank glances at his father and their eyes almost meet, but neither is ready to speak to the other yet.) Stella. Tell us about yourself. Mrs. a. {touching his shoulder zvith affectionate pride and then looking at her husband). And about this uniform. (Mrs. Austin stands back of the chair, leaning over him tenderly, Stella sits by the sciving table, Nancy sits on a low stool down R. looking at Frank and Mr. Austin still stands at R.) Frank. When I left home I worked my way to New York. I was short of money, you see. (All glance signifi- cantly at Mr. Austin.) I stayed in New York until I had earned enough, to take me to England, where I enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps. It was the quickest way into the service. Nancy. I knew you would come home with flying colors. Frank (zi'ith great spirit). Air fighting is the greatest adventure in the war. Mrs. a. (with solicitude) . But how were you wounded, dear? Frank. When I got to France they put me in the bomb- ing squadron and I had some excitement, believe me. One morning I was flying alone and high and had passed far into the enemy lines. My engine was working perfectly and its steady roar gave me confidence. Suddenly I caught sight of a German plane. I swooped directly in front of him — (Mrs. Austin gives a cry of fear and Frank stops sud- denly and reaches for her hand.) Never mind, mother dear, we won't talk about it. Well, I brought down my man, but another Hun got me. I fell in the enemy lines, but finally escaped. A bullet in this arm and another in my chest put me in the hospital. HANDS ALL ROUND 21 Stella (eagerly). Were you in the hospital long? Frank. Four weeks. And, Stella, I wish you could see what those nurses do. They are angels. If it hadn't been for one of those little "sisters" I would have *'gone west," as the boys say, the day they brought me in. Stella. Do they need more nurses? Frank. They wnll never be able to take care of our wounded boys unless hundreds more go. I wish you girls over here could see the hospitals over there and know what it means to be a nurse. Stella (deeply interested). Tell — me — more about it. Frank. I wish I could describe it so that you could see it all. As I lay there in the candlelighted ward I used to watch the stretchers being brought in and the sweet-faced nurses going about from cot to cot. Why ! with those ministering angels to cheer them up the boys smile even at the gates of death. Stella. A hospital must be a sad place. Frank. A sad place? No, it's a haven of rest to the wounded. It makes us well and sends us out to play our part again. Tommies, Poilus and Yanks are all wild to get back into the thick of it. That's what you hear all the time in the hospital — "When can I go back to the front?'* It's the doctors and nurses who make new men of us, so that we can "carry on" 'till we win and all the boys say, "God bless 'em." Stella (stands tip zvith sudden decision). I'm going to be a nurse. I'll enroll in the army school of nursing today. Frank. Good for you, Sis. Nancy (jumps up and goes to Stella and puts her arm around her). Now there'll be two stars on the Austin serv- ice flag — one for the little nurse and (7(i>}th a radiant look at Frank) one for the brave soldier of tlie skv. Mr. a. (conies up to Frank witJi pride in Jtis face. Frank rises instantly and stands erect and respectful before his father. Mr. Austin puts his hands on Frank's shoul- 22 HANDS ALL ROUND ders and looks into the lad's clear, honest eyes). My boy, this is the happiest day. of my Hfe. Frank. I know that I have been wild and thoughtless and given you and mother a lot of worry. I'm sorry. Mr. a. You have wiped that all out by tlie big thing you've done and tomorrow I want to walk down Main Street with you in that uniform and I want this whole town to see my son — my son. Frank. If the people here could only know what I've seen over there every young man in the country would want to be in this war. Mr. a. My boy, over there you have gotten hold of something — something big. Frank. When this arm is strong I'm going back to France and fight until the world is safe for democracy. (He puts his left hand in his pocket and draws out a small ob- ject.) Here, Dad, is a little souvenir I brought home. (His father takes it and looks at it in surprise.) Mr. a. The war cross ! Frank. They gave it to me in the hospital just before they sent me home. Mr. a. (holds the war cross in his hand lovingly. He is overcome by his emotion. He hands it to Mrs. Austin). Mary, they gave this to our boy. Mrs. a. (takes it zvith tears of joy in her eyes). I knew you would be proud of him some day. Mr. a. Proud? I'm the proudest man in the United States. Katie appears at the door down R. with the birthday cake ivith lighted candles. Katie. Welcome home, Master Frank, and miny happy returns of the day. Curtain. Frank. Mrs. A. Katie. Mr. A. Nancy. Stella. Safety First By SHELDON PARMER Price, 25 Cents Farce-comedy, in 3 acts; 5 males, 5 females. Time, 2U hours. Scenes: A parlor and a garden, easily arranged. A sprightly farce full of action and witii a uni(iue plot teeming with unex- pected turns and twists that will make the audience wonder "what on earth is coming next." Behind the fun and movement lurks a great moral: Always tell the truth to your wife. The cast includes three young men, a funny policeman, a terrihle Turk, two young ladies, a society matron, a Turkish maiden and Mary O'Finnigan, the Irish cook. The antics of the terror-stricken husband, the policeman, the dude and the Irish cook start the audience smiling at 8:15 and send them home with aching sides from the tornado of fun at 10:40. Suitable for performance any- where, but recommended for lodges, clubs and schools. Not a coarse or suggestive line in the play. SYNOPSIS Act I. — Jack's lil suburban home. A misplaced husband. "He kissed me good-l)ye at eighteen minutes after seven last night, and I haven't laid eyes on him since." The Irish maid is full of sympathy but she imagines a crime has been committed. Elmer, the college boy, drops in. And the terrible Turk drops out. "Sure the boss has eloped wid a Turkey!" Jerry and Jack come home after a horrible night. Explanations. "We joined the Shriners, I'm the Exalted Imported Woggle and Jack is the Ba- zook!" A detective on the trail. AVarrants for John Doe, Richard Roe and Mary Moe. "We're on our way to Florida!" Act II.— A month later. Jack and Jerry reported drowned at sea. The Terrible Turk looking for Zuleika. The return of the prodigals. Ghosts! Some tall explanations are in order. "I never was drowned in all my life, was I, Jerry?" "We were lashed to a mast and we floated and floated and floated!" A couple of heroes. The Terrible Turk hunting for Jack and Jerry. "A Turk never injures an insane man." Jack feigns insanity. "We are leaving this roof forever!" The end of a perfect day. Act III. — Mrs. Bridger's garden. Elmer and Zuleika start on their honeymoon. Mabel forgives Jack, but her mamma does not. They decide to elope. Jerry's scheme works. The two McNutts. "Me middle name is George Washington, and I cannot tell a lie." The detective falls in the well. "It's his ghost!" Jack and Jerry preparing for the elopement. Mary Ann appears at the top of the ladder. A slight mistake. "It's a burglar, mum, I've got him!" The Terrible Turk finds his Zuleika. Happiness at last. Foiled, By Heck! By FREDERICK 'g. JOHNSON Price, 25 Cents A truly rural drama, in 1 scene and several dastardly acts; 3 males, 3 females. Time, 3.5 minutes. Scene: The mortgaged home of the homespun drama, between sunup' and sundown. Characters: Reuben, a nearly self-made man. His wife, who did the rest. Their perfectly lovely daughter. Clarence, a rustic hero, by ginger! Olivia, the plaything of fate, poor girl. Syl- vester, with a, viper's heart. Curses! Curses! Already he has the papers. A screaming travesty on the old-time "b'gosh" drama. T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 154 W. Randolph Street. CHICAGO The Call of the Colors By LINDSEY BARBEE Price, 25 Cents A patriotic play in 2 acts; 4 males, 10 females. Time, 1% hours. Scenes: 2 interiors, easily arranged. In act one a Red Cross gauze room is shown. A true-to-life picture; the awlvward worlver reprimanded for going a sixteenth of an incli too far; tlie suspicion of spies in the room; tlie girls' opinion of slackers; their hero. Sergeant Hilton, back from "over there"; his mys- terious little black book and the joy when Harrison dons the khaki. Ten^e interest, lightened by comedy. In act two the scene is transported to a French chateau near tlie firing line. A plucky girl unmasks a spy and saves a repository of ammunition from bombardment. Military enthusiasm, mysterious intrigue and a war-time love story — truly a combination symbolic of the days in which we live. A French peasant girl, an excellent part. SYNOPSIS Act. T. — The Red Cross gauze room has various visitors. Ser- geant Hilton proves the chief topic of conversation and the strange Miss Smith is cordially welcomed. Harrison Ray is declared a slacker — and Sergeant Hilton's little black book causes much spec- ulation. Miriam makes an announcement; Harrison offers an ex- planation — and the boys go marching by! Act II. — Sergeant Hilton renews his acquaintance with Miriam and learns of the ammunition hidden in the village. The Germans arrive. The Sergeant loses his little black book — and Vilette brings news of the enemy. Miss Smith finds the book and sends a ines- sage. By means of the secret telephone, Cecile communicates with the other chateau — and the firing begins. Sergeant Hilton returns — in another role; a bugle sounds and the Stars and Stripes go floating by. The Sergeant, taken unawares, faces a revolver. Harrison Ray tells his story; the mystery is solved and the day is saved! Lottie Sees It Through By RAGNA B. ESKIL Price, 15 Cents Patriotic playlet; 3 males. 4 females. Time, 35 minutes. Scene: A scantily furnished living room. This timely play should induce any community to give liberally. Written for the Red Cross, but with the change of a few words it will plead for the Liberty Loan, the Y. M. C. A. fund or any other cause as worthy. Its action is based on the elemental question — can one refuse to give to his country and yet be at ease with his conscience? Still it is not a somber or dreary play — it has its light touches. It stirs the heart and its climax will arouse a fervor of patriotism only comparable to a religious revival. If imable to produce this play, get someone to read it as it cannot help but stimulate action. T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS Price 15 Cents Each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price is Given .M. r. Trial of Hearts, 4 acts, 2].^ hrs. (25c> ..' 6 1.'! Trip to Storyland, ]'i h; s. ( Jfc) 1 7 23 Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2 >4 hrs. U'5c) 8 3 Under Ulue Skies, 4 acts, 2 hrs (:5c) 7 10 Under the Laurels, 5 act>, 2 hrs. 6 4 Winning Widow, 2 acts, 1-j hrs. (25c) 2 4 AVomen Who 1 )id, 1 hr . . . ( _'3c) 1 7 Yankee iJetective, 3 acts, 2 lirs. 8 3 FARCES, COIVIEDIETAS. Etc. All on a Summer's Day, 40 uiin. 4 6 April Fools, 30 min 3 Assessor, The, 10 w.'.ii 3 2 \unt Harriet's Night Out, 35 min. . . . •. H 2 Baby Show at Pineville, 2U niin. 19 Billy's Chorus Girl, 25 luiai . . . 2 3 Billy's IMishap, 20 min 2 3 Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 5 Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 5 Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 Country Justice, 1 5 min 8 Cow that Kicked Chica";o, 20 m. 3 2 Divided Attentions, 35 min... 1 4 Family Strike, 20 min 3 3 First-Class Hotel, 20 min 4 For Love, and Honor, 2.0 min.. 2 1 Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 5 Fun in Photo Gallery, 30 min.. 6 10 Getting R'd of Father, 20 min. 3 1 Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 Great Pumpkin Case, 30 min.. 12 Hans Von Smash, 30 min.... 4 3 Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 8 H-ish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 3 Kansas Hnmigrants, 20 min... 5 1 Lottie Sees It Through, 35 min. 3 4 ]\Ien Not Wanted, 30 min..... 8 Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 9 Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant Idea, 35m. 8 Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 m. 3 2 Not a Man in the House, 40 m. 5 Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 1 1 Patsy O'Wang, 35 min ..,.,.. 4 3 Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min.. 6 2 Persecuted Dutchman, 30 min. 6 3 Please Pass the Cream, 20 min. 1 1 Second Childhood, 15 min.... 2 2 Shadows, 35 min 2 2 Sing a Song of Seniors, 30 jnin. 7 Smith's Unlucky Davi:20 mn.. 1 1 Talving Father's Place, 30 min. ^5 3 That Rascal Pat, 30 min 3 2 Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 min • 3 6 Turn Him Out, 35 min.. 3 2 Two Aunts ar.d a Photo, 20 m. 4 „Two Gentlemen in a Fix, 15 m. 2 Two Ghosts in White, 20 min.. S M. F. Two of a Kind, 40 min 2 3 Uncle Dick's Mistake. 20 min;'. 3 2 Wanted a Corresijonclont, 45 m. 4 4 Watch, a Wallet, and a Jack of Spades, 40 min 3 6 The Whole Truth, 40 min 5 4 Who's the Boss? 25 min. .^ 3 6 ^^■ide Enough for Two, 43 min. 5 2 Wrofig Baby, 25 min.... 8 VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES, IMON- OLOGUES, ETHiOPIAN Pi^YS. Amateur, 15 min 1 1 At Harmony Junction, 20 min. 4 Axin' Her Father, 25 min....- 2 3 Booster Club of Blackville, 25 m.lO Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 1 Cold Finish, 15 min.......... 2 1 Colored Honeymoon, 25 min... 2 2 Coon Creek Courtship, 15 min. 1 1 Coming Chaniiiion, 20 min.... 2 Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m. 14 Counterfeit Bills, 20 min..... 1 1 Darktown Fire Brigade, 1-5 min. 10 Doings of a Dude, 20 min.... 2 .1 For Reform, 20 min 4 Fresh Timothy Ilay, 20 min.. 2 1 Glickman, the Glazier, 25 min. 1 1 Good Mornin' Judge, 35 min.. 9 2 Her Hero, 20 min 1 1 Hey, Rube! 15 min 1 Home Ruri, 15 min 1 1 Hungry, 1 5 min 2 Little Miss Enemy, 15 min..-. 1 1 Little Red School House. 20 m. 4 Love and Lather, 35 min... i. 3 2 Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 Memnhis Mose, 25 min 5 1 Mischievous Nigger, 25 min.. 4 2' Mr. and INIrs. Fido, 20 min 11 Oh, Doctor! 30 min 6 2 One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 2 Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 Pete \"ansen's Curl's Mcd^r,. 10m. 1 Pickles for Two, 15 min '. 2 Si and I, 15 min ., 1 Special Sale, 15 min 2 Street Faker, 15 min 3 Such Ignorance, 15 m'li 2 Sunny Son of Italv, 15 min.. 1 Time Table, 20 min 1 1 Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 1 Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 Umbrella Mender, 15 min..., 2 What Happened to Hannah, 1 5m.- 1 1 A great number of Standard and Amateur Piays not found liere are listed in Denison's Catalogue T.S.DENISON & COMPANY,PubVishers,154W. Randolph St., Chicago POPULAR ENTERTA Price, Illustrated Paper Cc LIBRARY OF CONGRESS I N this Series are found books touching every feature in the enter- tainment field. Finely made, good paper, clear print and each book has an attractive individual cov- er design. A Partial List DIALOGUES All Sorts of Dialogues. Selected, fine for older pupils. Catchy Comic Dialogues. Very clever; for young people. Children's Comic Dialogues. From six to eleven years of age. Country School Dialogues. Brand new, original. Dialogues for District Schools. For country schools. Dialogues from Dickens. Thirteen selections. The Friday Afternoon Dialogues. Over 50,000 copies sold. From Tots to Teens. Dialogues and recitations. Humorous Homespun Dialogues. For older ones. Little People's Plays. From 7 to 13 years of age. ^ Lively Dialogues. For all ages; mostly humorous. Merry Little Dialogues. Thirty-eight original selections. When the Lessons are Over. Dialogues, drills. pTays. Wide Awal