international Copyrighted (in England, her Col- 635 i^. and the United States) Edition of the '' Works of the Best Authors '' No. 412 Thl Birthday Ball A Play in One Act By MARJORIE WOODS Copyright, 19,21, By SAMUEL FRENCH Amateurs may, produce this play free of royalty. All other rights reserved. PRICE, 30 CENTS NEW YORK LONDON Samuel French Samuel French, Ltd. Publishei" 26 Southampton Street 28-30 West 38th Street Strand DOROTHY'S NEIGHBORS. A brand new comedy in four acts, by Marie Doran, author of "The New Co-Ed," "Tempest and Sunshine," and many other successful plays. 4 males. 7 femalec. The scenes are extremely easy to arrange; two plain interiors and one exterior, a garden, or, if neces- sary, the two interiors will answer. Costumes modern. Plays 2^1 hours. The story is about vocational training, a subject now widely dis- cussed; also, the distribution of larj^e wealth. Back of the comedy situation and snappy dialogue there is good logic and a sound moral in this pretty play, which is worthy the attention of the experienced amateur. It is a clean, wholesome play, particularly ^suited to high school production, Price, 30 Cents. MISS SOMEBODY ELSE. A modern play in four acts by Marion Short, author of "The Touchdown," etc. 6 males. 10 females. Two interior scenes. Cos- tumes modern. Plays 2J4 hours. This delightful comedy has gripping dramatic mnmeni?. unusual character types, a striking and original plot and is essentially modern in theme and treatment. The stcry concerns the advetures of Con- stance Darcy, a multi-mill'onaire's young daughter. Constance em- barks on a trip to find a young man who had been in her father's employ and had stolen a large sum of money. She almost succeeds, when suddenly all traces of the ycung men are lost. At this point she meets some old friends who ere living in almost want and, in order to assist them through motives benevolent, she determines to sink her own aristocratic personality in that of a refined but humble little Irish waitress with the family that are in want. She not only carries her scheme to success in assisting the family, but _ finds romance and much tense and lively adventure during the pericd of her incognito, aside from capturing the young man who had defrauded her father. The story' is full of bright comedy lines and dramatic situations and is highly recommended for amateur production. This is one of the best comedies we have ever offered with a large num- ber of female characters. The dialogue is bright and the play is full of action from start to finish; not a dull moment in it. This is a great .comedy for high schools and colleges, and the wholesome story will please the parents and teachers. We strongly recommend it. Price, 30 Cents. PURPLE AND FINE LINEN. An exceptionally pretty comedy of Puritan New England, in three acts, by Amita B. Fairgrieve and Helena Miller. 9 male, 5 female characters. This is the Lend A Hand Smith College prize play. It is an ad- mirable play for amateurs, is rich in character portrayal of varied tvpes and is not too difficult while thoroughly pleasing. ■ . Price, 30 Cents- (The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request ' The Birthday Ball By MARJORIE WOODS Copyright, 1921. By SAMUEL FRENCH AMATEURS MAY PRODUCE THIS PLAY FREE OF ROYALTY. ALL OTHER RIGHTS RESERVED. New York: SAMUEL FRENCH Publisher 28-30 West 38th Street London : SAMUEL FRENCH. Ltd. 2G Southampton Street Strand -f x^'' CHARACTERS Madam Bradley Mistress Penelope Mistress Phoebe ^ her daughters Mistress Phylis CiciLY, her maid Footman to General Washington } JUH30'2I ^CI.O 5804!) TMP92-007645 The Birthday Ball Scene. — A Colonial living-room in Washington, D. C. Time. — The 20th of February, 1792. (Enter Penelope in a very ill humor. Indeed, she is pouting ; and after flouncing about the room, she stamps her foot and sits dozmi at the left with a bounce. Enter Phoebe and Phylts with their arms around each other. Both are sniffing and crying a little. Phoebe sits at the right and Phylis flops down on the floor be- side her. The three girls make a very picture of zvoe — tableau.) Penelope. It is just too bad ! Here it is already the twentieth and no invitation to General Washings- ton's birthday ball. Everybody will be there. Oh, we shall be shamed completely ! Phoebe. (Wiping her eyes) How can you ex- pect an invitation, Sister Penelope, when Mother has not let it be known that we have returned to town? Madam Washington would never slight us knowingly. Ppiylis. (Tearfully ) Mother says it would be forward for her to announce our return on the eve of the ball. It might look as if we angled for an invitation. 4 THE BIRTHDAY BALL Penelope. And just think of our beautiful new gowns that Mistress Winthrop made for us in Plym- outh ! What's the use of them, I should like to know ! (Enter Madam Bradley, very motherly and digni- fied. She stands in the center of the room and regards the three mourners with sympathy and understanding. But she knows her duty and speaks gently and firmly) Madam Bradley. My daughters ? (The three girls rise and curtsey dutifully, hut turn their faces azvay, still pouting.) Madam Bradley. You have been taught, my dears, that idle hands find mischief still to do. This is also true of idle brains. Have you attended your household duties this morning? All Three. (Sotto voce) No, Mother. Madam Bradley. When I was young (Phoebe places her chair for Madam Bradley. j Madam Bradley. Thank you, my daughter. (She sits) When I was young, I rose at six and aired my chamber ; then descended to the dining- room and laid the breakfast cloth under the direc- tion of my respected mother, your grandmother. After the meal, if the weather was fine, the family repaired to the rose garden for half an hour before separating for the morning tasks. On Mondays, the linen was inspected and mended before being sent to the tubs ; on Tuesdays, the house was swept, oiled and waxed from top to bottom, all the serv- ants helping ; on Wednesdays, the ales and vinegars were brewed ; on Thursdays, the tallow and wax for candle-making, both plain and Bayberry, were THE BIRTHDAY BALL 5 prepared for moulding- (other duties, such as pre- serving-, superseding these in season) ; on Fridays, the week's baking was done — bread, white and rye, cake of three kinds, plain, frosted and with caraway seed, and pies of four kinds according as the seasons allowed ; on Saturdays, all was put in order for the Sabbath, and my mother took me with her to the shops and markets, in the carriage, with two of the maids to help with the parcels. On different days, my instructors for the French language, the spinnet and the minuet, came at ten o'clock, detaining me for an hour and a half. In the afternoons, my mother instructed me, also the maid servants, in spinning, weaving, knitting and embroidery. Phylis. (With a great sigh) Oh, Mother, how could you ever get all those things done ? Madam Bradley. (Gently) I wasted no time in sighing for those things which decorum will not allow. (The three girls exchange guilty glances.) Madam Bradley. (Rising) Madam Washing- ton is a very elegant and noble-hearted lady, my daughters. If Providence permit that she should hear of our arrival, I make no doubt we shall be bidden to the great General's birthday ball. If not, I would not for all the balls in Christendom have you appear unseemly in her eyes. (Exit) Penelope. (Flopping into her chair again) Well, that does settle it. Phoebe. (Crossly) I do not believe General Washington is so wise as men say, after all. If he were, he would certainly know that we should return for the ball. Phylis. (In horror) Oh, Sister Phoebe, do not say such dreadful things ! Penelope. (Sitting up straight suddenly) In 6 THE BIRTHDAY BALL sooth, little one, there is some wisdom in what Sis- ter Phoebe says. Even if the General did tell no lie when he hewed down his father's favorite cherry- tree, and did tame wild horses when only sixteen years of age, and did beat back the British in Free- dom's name, that is no sign he would remember girls like us. Phylis. (Softly) And of course, he could not know that we had new silk gowns of Mistress Win- throp in Plymouth town. (All three girls sigh deeply) (Enter Cicily. She curtsies before addressing each young lady.) Phoebe. (Looking round zvith a start) Oh, 'tis only Cicily ! My heart goes pit-a-pat for news each time a door is opened. Cicily. Please, Mistress Penelope, Madam says you are to mend the rent you made in your second best shawl yesterday. (Exit PenelopeJ Cicily. Please, Miss Phoebe, Madam says you are to come put away the clean linen. (Exit PhoebeJ Cicily. Please, Miss Phylis, Madam says you are to get out the flower seed saved from last year, and prepare new labels for the gardner. (Exit PhylisJ Cicily. (Wistfully, to herself) I wish Madam Washington's maid would invite me to come and watch below stairs as the fine ladies come up in their beautiful gowns to his Excellency's birthday ball. (Pause, while she dreams her little dream) Mayhap, some day, I, too, shall dance the minuet. (She dances slowly out of the room) (Enter Madam Bradley with overflowing basket of stockings. She sits center and darns industri- THE BIRTHDAY BALL 7 ously. A knocking sounds without. Enter CicilyJ CiciLY. (Curtseying) Please, Madam, General Washington's footman waits without. Madam Bradley. Admit him. (Exit CiciLY and re-enters with the Footman. He bozvs low, handing Cicily a large square letter. She receives it on a silver salver and hands it to Madam Bradley zvith a curtsey. Madam Bradley opens and reads it, and rises with great dignity.) Madam Bradley. The answer will be at once prepared. (Exit) (Cicily, glancing coquettishly at the Footman, moves tozvard the other side of the room. The Footman primps himself, eyeing her.) Footman. Did I not see you at Merry Mount Fair last Whitsuntide? Cicily. (Tossing her head) You are bold, sir. Footman. (Gallantly) Faint heart never won fair lady. Cicily. Oh, hush! If Madam Bradley should hear you, I should be disgraced. Footman. She is most busy writing an accept- ance to his Excellency's birthday party and hears nothing. Cicily. (Clasping her hands) Would that I could be there to watch below stairs! Footman. Then so you shall, sweet. No fine dame among them will have a neater foot than thine, I'll warrant. Come, tread with me the measures of a minuet. (Music sounds off, and they dance) Madam Bradley. (Off) Cicily! Where are you, girl ? I would have you bid my daughters come to me in the common-room. 8 THE BIRTHDAY BALL CiciLY. (Breaking off in a fright) Lud ! If we're observed ! Stand still, man ! The Footman tries to kiss her, hut she pushes him away and runs out. He draws himself up as Madam Bradley enters zvith the anszver. She gives it to him. He bozvs and exits. Enter Penelope^ Phoebe and Phylis quickly with flushed, excited faces.) Phylis. Dh, Mother ! Penelope. Did it really come, Mother? Phoebe. We must have out our new gowns for pressing directly. Madam Bradley. (Trying to look severe) I fear Cicily has overstepped herself with much chat- tering. Phylis. Nay, Mother! We made her say who had come. All Three. (Clustering round Madam Brad- ley j Oh, Mother, please tell us! Madam Bradley. (Smiling) You give me no speaking space. (The girls fall hack a hit and Madam Bradley drazvs the letter from her reticule and reads.) Madam Bradley. (Reading) "President Wash- ington and Lady desire the honor of Madam Brad- ley's presence with that of her lovely daughters, Mistresses Penelope, Phoebe and Phylis, upon the celebration of his Excellency's birthday at Mount Vernon on February the twenty-second, seventeen hundred ninety-two." (The^ three girls clap their hands with little coos of joy; then join hands and dance round Madam Bradley, j THE BIRTHDAY BALL 9 Madam Bradley. (Shaking her head) Idle again, my dears ! You had far better be practicing the measures of the stately minuet. To dance it too well were impossible. (The three girls fall apart.) Phoebe. Oh, yes ! We'll practice it this minute. Phylis. Mother, will you be my partner? Madam Bradley. (Smiling) Come, come! I am too old ! All Three Girls. No, no! You must foot it with us. (All take their places.) Penelope. (Frisking where she stands) Oh, I am so happy ! (Music sounds off and they dance the minuet,) CURTAIN THE REJUVENATION OF AUNT MARY. The famous comedy in three acts, by Anne Warner. 7 males, 6 females. Three interior scenes. Costumes modern. Plays 2% hours. This is a genuinely funny comedy with splendid parts for "Aunt Mary," "Jack," her lively nephew; "Lucinda," a New England an- cient maid of all work; "Jack's" three chums; the Girl "Jack" loves; "Joshua," Aunt Mary's hired man, etc. "Aunt Mary" was played by May Robson in New York and on tour for over two years, and it is sure to be a big success wherever pro- duced. We strongly recommend it. Price, 60 Cents. MRS. BUMSTEAD-LEIGH. A pleasing comedy, in three acts, by Harry James Smith, author of "The Tailor-Made Man." 6 males, 6 females. One interior scene. Costvimes modern. Plays 2J4 hours. Mr. Smith chose for his initial comedy the complications arising from the endeavors of a social climber to land herself in the altitude peopled by hyphenated names — a theme permitting innumerable com- plications, according to the spirit of the writer. This most successful comedy was toured for several seasons by Mrs. Fiske with enormous success. Price, 60 Cents. MRS. TEMPLE'S TELEGRAM. A most successful farce in three acts, by Frank Wyatt and Wil- liam Morris. 5 males, 4 females. One interior scene stands through- out the three acts. Costumes modern. Plays 2>2 hours. "Mrs. Temple's Telegram"' is a sprightly farce in which there is an abundance of fun without any taint of impropriety or any ele- ment of offence. As noticed by Sir Walter Scott, "Oh, v/hat a tangled web we v/eave when first we practice to deceive." There is not a dull moment in the entire farce, and from the time the^ curtain rises until it makes the final drop the fun is fast and furious. A very exceptional farce. Price, 60 Cents. THE NEW CO-ED. A comedy in four acts, by Marie Doran, author of "Tempest and Sunshine," etc. Characters, 4 males, 7 females, though any number of boys and girls can be introduced in the action of the play. One interior and one exterior scene, but can be easily played in one inte- rior scene. Costumes modern. Time, about 2 hours. The theme of this plaj' is the coming of a new student to the col- lege, her reception by the scholars, her trials and final triumph. There are three especially good girls' parts, Letty, Madge and Estelle, but the others have plenty to do. "Punch" Doolittle and George Washington Watts, a gentleman of color, are two particularly good comedy characters. We can strongly recommend "The New Co-Ed" to high schools and amateurs. Price, 30 Cents. (The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City New and Explicit Descrlprive Cataiogug Mailed Free on Request BILLETED. A comedy m 3 acts, by F, Tennison Jesse and H. Harwood. 4 males, 5 females. One easy interior seen-. A charming comedy, constructed with uncommon skill, and abounds with clever lines. Margaret Anglin's bi^ success. Amateurs will find this comedy easy to produce and popular with all audiences. Price, 60 Cents. NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. A comedy in 3 acts. By James Montgomery. 5 males, 6 females. Costumes, modern. Two interior scenes. Plays 2^ hours. Is it possible to tell the absolute truth — even for twenty-four hours? It is— at least Bob Bennett, the hero of "Nothing But the Truth," accomplished the feat. The bet he made with his business partners, and the trouble he got into — with his partners, his friends, and his fiancee — this is the subject of William Collier's tremendous comedy hit. "Nothing But the Truth" can be whole-heartedly recommended as one of the most sprightly, amusing and popular comedies that this country can boast. Price, 60 Cents. IN WALKED JIMMY. A comedy in 4 acts, by Minnie Z. Jaffa. 10 males, 2 females (al- though any number of males and females may be used as clerks, etc.). Two interior scenes. Costumes, modern. Plays 2J/^ hours. The thing into which Jimmy walked was a broken-down shoe factory, whe^i the clerks had all been fired, and when the proprietor v/as in serious contemplation of suicide. Jimmy, nothing else but plain Jimmy, would have been a mysterious figure had it not been for his matter-of-fact m_anner, his smile and his everlasting humanness. He put the shoe business on its feet, won the heart of the girl clerk, saved her erring brother from jail, escaped that place as a permanent boarding house himself, and foiled the villain. Clean, v/holesome comedy with just a touch of human nature, just a dash of excitement and more than a little bit of true philosophy make "In Walked Jimmy" one cf the most delightful of plays. Jimmy is full of the religion of life, the religion of happiness and the religion of helpfulness, and he so permeates the atmosphere with his "religion" that everyone is happy. The spirit of optimism, good cheer, and hearty laughter dominates the play. There is net a dull moment in any of the four acts. We strongly recommend it. Price, 60 Cents. MARTHA BY-THE-DAY. An optimistic .comedy in three acts, by Julie M. Lippmann, author of the "Martha" stories. 5 males, 5 females. Three interior scenes. Costumes modern. Plays 2J^ hours. It is altogether a gentle thing, this play. It is full of quaint hu- mor, old-fashioned, homely sentiment, the kind that people who see the play will recall and chuckle over to-morrow and the next day. Miss Lippmann has herself adapted her very successful book for stage service, and in doing this has selected from her novel the most telling incidents, infectious comedy and homely sentiment for the play, and the result is thoroughly delightful. Price, 60 Cents. (The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request The Return of Hi Jinks A comedy in four acts, by Marii)n Short, author of '"The Varsity Coach," "The Touch-Down." etc. 6 males, 8 females. Costumes modern. One interior scene. This comedy is founded upon and elaborated from a farce comedy in two acts written by J. H. Horta, and originally produced at Tuft's College. Hiram Poynter Jinks, a Junior in Hoosic College (Willie Collier type), and a young moving picture actress (Mary Pickford type), are the leading characters in this lively, modern farce. Thomas Hodge, a Senior, envious of the popularity of Jinks, wishes to think up a scheme to throw ridicule upon him during a visit of the Hoosic Glee Club to Jinks's home town. Jinks has obligingly acted as a one-day substitute in a moving picture play, in which there is a fire scene, and this gives Hodge his cue. He sends what seems to be a bona fide account of Jink's heroism at a Hoosic fire to Jink's home paper. Instead of repudiating his laurels as expected. Jinks decides to take a flyer in fame, confirms the fake story, confesses to being a hero and is adored by all the girls, to the chagrin and dis- comfiture of Hodge. Of course, the truth comes out at last, but Jinks is not hurt thereby, and his romance with Mimi Mayflower conies to a successful termination. This is a great comedy for amateurs. It is full ©f funny situations and is sure to please. Price, 30 Cents. June A most successful comedy-drama in four acts, by Marie Doran, author of "The New Cn-Ed," "Tempest and Sunshine," "Dorothy's Neighbors," etc. 4 males, 8 females. One interior scene. Costumes modern. Plays 2% hours. This play has a very interesting group of young people. June is an appealing little figure, an orphan living with her aunt. There are a number of delightful, life-like characters: the sorely tried likeabb; Mrs. Hopkins, the amusing, haughty Miss Banks of the glove depart- ment, the lively Tilly and Milly, who work in the store, and ambitious Snoozer; Mrs. Hopkins's only son, who aspires to be President of the United States, but finds his real sphere is running the local trolley car. The play is simplicity itself in the telling' of an every-day story, and the scenic requirements call for only .one set, a room in the boarding house of Mrs. Hopkirfs, while an opportunity is afforded to introduce any number of extra characters. Musical numbers may be introduced, if desired. Price, 30 Cents. Tempest and Sunshine A comedy drama in four acts, by Marie Doran. .t males and 3 females. One exterior and three interior scenes. Plays about 2 hours. Every school girl has revelled in the sweet simplicity and gen,tle- ness of the characters interwoven in the charms that Mary J. Holmes command^ in her story of "Tempest and Sunshine." We can strongly recommend this play as one of the best plays for high school ' pro- duction published in recent years. Price, i'd Cents. (The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 3AMCEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City New and fxplicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free an Request The Touch-I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS HH A comedy in four acts, by Marion Short «Ve ^OO im Oi any number of characters can be introduce 015 /93 19 / 'O tumes modern. One interior scene througL^^v mv i/ra/. ±iine, ayi hours. This play, written for the use of clever amateurs, is the story of life in Siddell, a Pennsylvania co-educational college. It deals with the vicissitudes and final triumph of the Siddell Football Eleven, and the humorous and dramatic incidents connected therewith. "The Touch-Down" has the true varsity atmosphere, college songs are sung, and the piece is lively and entertaining throughout. High schools will make no mistake in producing this play. We strongly recommend it as a high-class and well-written comedy. Price, 30 Cents. Hurry; Hurry^ Hurry A comedy in three acts, by LeRoy Arnold. 5 males, 4 females. One interior scene. Costumes modern. Plays 2^4 hours. The story is based on the will of an eccentric aunt. It stipulates that her pretty niece must be affianced before she is twenty-one. and married to her fiance within a year, if she is to get her spinster relative's million. Father has nice notions of honor and fails to tell daughter about the will, so that she may make her choice untram- meled by any other consideration than that of trile love. The action all takes place in the evening the midnight of which will see her reach twenty-one. Time is therefore short, and it is hurry, hurry, hurry, if she is to become engaged and thus save her father from imi)ending bankruptcy. The situations are intrinsically funny and the dialogue is sprightly. The characters are natural and unaffected and the action moves with a snap such as should be expected from its title. Price, 30 Cents. The Varsity Coach A three-act jilay of college life, by Marion Short, speciallj' adapted to performance by amateurs or high school students. 5 males 6 females, but any number of boys and girls may be introduced in the action of the play. Two settings necessary, a college boy's room and the university campus. Time, about 2 hours. Like many anotlicr college boy, "Bob" Selby, an all-round popular college man. becomes possessed of the idea that athletic prowess is more to be desired than scholarship. He is surprised in the midst of ^ ".spread" in his room in Regatta week by a visit from his aunt who is putting him through college. Aunt Serena, "a lady of the old school and the dearest little woman in the whole world," has hastened to make this visit to her adored nephew under the mistaken impression that he is about to receive the Fellowes prize for scholarship. Her i3;rief and chagrin when she learns that instead of the prize Robert has received "a pink card," which is equivalent to suspension for poor scholarship, gives a touch of pathos to an otherwise jolly comedy of college life. How the repentant Robert more than redeems himself, carries off honors at the last, and in the end wins Ruth, the faithful little sweetheart of the "Prom" and the classroom, makes a story of dramatic interest and brings out very clearly certain phases of modern college life. There are several opportunities for the introduction of college songs and "stunts." Price, 30 Cents. (The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38tb Street, New York City New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request