March 13, 1944

Memos of a First Nighter

One of the strange quirks about the acting profession is that anecdotes about stars are remembered long after their most thrilling performances are forgotten … Theatrical historians have devoted more space to Mrs. Patrick Campbell’s wit than to her make-believing talents. She had a tongue that was sharp enough to clip barbed wire … Frixample: During a rehearsal of a G.B. Shaw opus, his caustic cracks irritated Mrs. Campbell. She held her temper at leash as long as possible .. Finally she pointed at the famed chaste vegetarian and cried: “Someday you’ll eat a pork chop, Georgie, and then God help all women!”

Paul Robeson deserves all the posies tossed at him for his top-notch make-believing in “Othello” … But some critics who lauded Robeson seemed surprised that his acting ability was as good as his voice — there can be no greater praise … They apparently forget that Robeson has had a distinguished acting career. More than a decade ago he was London’s most popular star. The show that earned him plaudits in Britain was — you’ve guessed it — “Othello.”

From the St. Petersburg Times.