BROADWAY

The movement to clean up Broadway theatres is finally becoming less idealistic and more practical. The citizens play jury, never more than a notable gesture has been scrapped as being inefficient. In its place a committee of factors playwrights and produces has been assembled with the intention of applying internal reform. The presence of such men as Winthrop Ames, Arthur Hopkins and Sidney Howard would indicate that this latest plan will not sacrifice any genuine artistry for the sake of a narrow minded minority not on the other hand will it attempt to shield those plays whose sale attractions are those of sensationalism.

No age has been without its risque plays. But never not even in the decadence of Restoration Comedy, have risque plays been so stupid as those which adorn New York stages today. Whether or not Mr. Ames group is successful in eliminating wholesale pornography; but if he and his associates are allowed a liberal power of suppression of dull and unamusing plays the theatre will be if not more edifying at least more inspirational. The public would gladly go without its present superabundance of sex and salaciousness if the results offered greater entertainment value.