PLAYGOER

"The Two Mrs. Carrolls" has reversed the usual procedure by opening here after two super-successful years on Broadway. Instead of limb-climbing, the reviewer must now try to analyze what made this play the smash hit it is.

Probably its chief appeal to the public is an overworked but still excellent plot which first exposes the plan of one member of a connubial team for extinction of the other, and then proceeds to weave an intricate net of suspicion and terror surrounding the discovery by the victim of the evil plans afoot. This idea although interesting and teeming with suspense has already been used in "Suspicion," "Angel Street," and "Dark Waters," and becomes tedious in time.

Aside from the public appeal, there is also an artistic appeal which is 99 percent Elizabeth Bergner, star, victim, and Mrs. Carroll II. The only feature of "The Two Mrs. Carrolls" that distinguishes it from its fellow mysteries is the use of this physically and professionally exceptional Viennese star, Bergner, as a dramatic actress extraordinary, giving her full leeway rather than restricting her ability to the ordinary standing and sitting living room dialogue. Whatever Bette Davis did in the way of hair-tearing in "Juarez" and other "Bette-goes-mad" movies, is exceeded by the passion with which Miss. Bergner lives the part of a woman discovering her husband is trying to poison her.

Joel Ashley as the heinous Mr. C. is more than adequate and the minor parts and technical production are all well handled but present nothing out of the ordinary.

Without Bergner, this play is nothing more than a well produced terror show made from an often-used blueprint. With Bergner, "The Two Mrs. Carrolls" is transformed into one of the most enjoyable pieces of serious drama of the season.