MOVIES AND RADIO HURT THEATRE SAYS JANE COWL

"The American theatre is in a perilous state," said Miss Jane Cowl, in an address before the Theatregoers' Club yesterday afternoon. Mr. Arthur Ashley, leading man in "The Immigrant", and Mr. Gulesian, author of the same play, just introduced to the stage on Monday, preceded Miss Cowl.

"The stage is not utterly overcome yet, however," continued Miss Cowl "In this age of Jazz-parties, it is an excellent commentary upon our country that such a play as 'Romeo and Juliet' may have such a reception as I can vouch for. But it is a rare thing, that reception. And circumstances are making these successes fewer and fewer.

"Those circumstances are three in number lack of time, the movies, and the radio. Life for the theatre person is difficult at best, but with these elements to contend against road companies are becoming obsolete. And with their disappearance, parts are limited in number.

"This country is fast losing an ear for the beauty of the spoken voice. Beautiful things tried in the theatre are not half enough patronized. I call upon you to foster the beauty of the theatre, wherever you find it."