ico J J J t TSDMSON & COMPANY PUBLISHERS' CHICAGO DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS. A Partial List of Successful and .Popular Plays. Lar^e Cataloiiue Free. Price 15 Cents Each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price is Given. DRAMAS. COMEDIES. ENTER- TAINMENTS. Etc. M. F. After the Game, 2 acts, 1% hrs (25c) 1 9 All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 4 4 All That Glitters Is Not Gold, 2 acts, 2 hrs 6 3 Altar of Riches', 4 acts, 2J^ hrs. (25c) S 5 American Hustler, 4 acts, 2]/i hrs (25c) 7 4 Arabian Nights, '3 acts, 2 hrs... 4 5 Bank Cashier, 4 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 8 4 Black Heifer, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 9 3 Bonnybell, 1 hr (25c).Optnl. Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2J4 hrs. (25c) 7 3 Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 h.(25c) 7 4 Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2% hrs. (25c) 7 4 Caste, 3 acts, 2^ hrs 5 3 Corner Drug Store, 1 hr.(25c)17 14 Cricket on the Hearth, 3 acts, 1 ^ hrs 7 8 Danger Signal, 2 acts, 2 hrs... 7 4 Daughter of the Desert, 4 acts, 2'A hrs (25c) 6 4 Down in Dixie, 4 acts, 2yi hrs. (2Sc) , .... 8 4 East Lynne, 5 acts, 2% hrs 8 7 Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr (25c) 10 Elma, IH hrs (25c) Optnl. Enchanted Wood, 1^ h.(35c) Optnl. Eulalia, 1 yi hrs (25c) Optnl. Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 4 4 From Sumter to Appomattox, 4 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 6 2 Fun on the Podunk Limited, li/i hrs (25c) 9 14 IJandy Andy (Irish) , 2 acts, 1 ^4 h. 8 2 Heiress of Hoetown, 3 acts, 2 hrs (2Sc) 8 4 High School Freshman, 3 acts, 2 h '.....(250) 12 Home, 3 acts, 2 hrs 4 3 Honor of a Cowboy, 4 acts, 2J4 hrs (25c) 13; 4 Iron Hand, 4 acts, 2 hrs.. (25c) 5« 4 It's All in the Pay Streak, i,' acts, 1 54 hrs (25c) 4 3 Jarville Junction, l^^ hrs.(25c)14 17 Jedediah Tudkins, J. P., 4 acts, 21^ hrs (25c) 7 5 Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 acts, 254 hrs (25c) 6 12 Light Brigade, 40 min (25c) 10 Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2^4 hrs. (25c) 7 4 Lodge of Kye Tyes, 1 hr.(25c)13 Lonelyville Social Club, 3 acts, '' iy2 hrs (25c) 10 Louva, the Pauper, 5 acts, 2 h. . 9 4 Man from Borneo, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 5 2 Man from Nevada, 4 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 9 S Mirandy's Minstrels. . . . (25c) Optnl. New Woman, 3 acts, 1 hr 3 6 Not Such a Fool as He Looks, 3 acts, 2 hrs 5 3 Odds with the Enemy, 4 acts, 13/i hrs 7 4 Old Mkid's Club, lyi hrs. (25c) 2 16 Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 1% hrs (25c)12 9 Only Daughter, 3 acts, 1J4 hrs. 5 2 On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 10 4 Our Boys, 3 acts, 2 hrs 6 4 Out in the Streets, 3 acts, 1 hr. 6 4 Pet of Parson's Ranch, 5 acts, 2 h. 9 2 School Ma'am, 4 acts, IM hrs.. 6 5 Scrap of Paper, 3 acts, 2 hrs.. 6 6 Seth Greenback, 4 acts, 1 }4 hrs. 7 3 Soldier of Fortune, 5 acts, 2^/^ h. 8 3 Solon Shingle, 2 acts, II/2 hrs.. 7 2 Sweethearts, 2 acts, 35 min.... 2 2 Ten Nights in a Barroom, 5 acts 2 hrs 7 4 Third Degree, 40 min (25c) 12 Those Dreadful Twins, . 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 6 4 Ticket-of -Leave Man, 4 acts, 2^ hrs 8 3 Tony, The Convict, 5 acts, 25^ hrs (25c) 7 4 Topp's Twins, 4 acts, 2 h.. (25c) 6 4 Trip to Storyland, 1}4 hrs. (25c) 17 23 Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2% hrs. (25c) 8 3 Under the Laurels, 5 acts, 2 hrs. 6 4 Under the Spell, 4 acts, 2 "4 hrs (25c) 7 3 Yankee Detective, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 8 3 FARCES. COMEDIETTAS. Etc. April Fools, 30 min 3 Assessor, The, 10 min 3 2 Aunt Matilda's Birthday Party, 35 min. . .• 11 Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 Bad Job, 30 min 3 2 Betsy Baker, 45 min 2 2 Billy's Chorus Girl, 25 min... 2 3 Billy's Mishap, 20 min 2 3 Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 5 Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 S Box and Cox, 35 min 2 1 Cabman No. 93, 40 min 2 2 Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 Convention of Papas, 25 min... 7 Country Justice. 15 min 8 Cow that Kicked Chicago, 20 m. 3 2 T. S. DENISON & COMPANY. 154 W. Randolph St.. Chicago THE FATAL NECKLACE A BURLESQUE MELODRAMA IN ONE ACT BY JOSEPH U. HARRIS AND HAROLD B. ALLEN CHICAGO T. S, DENISON & COMPANY Publishers THE FATAL NECKLACE CHARACTERS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE. The Heroine "I am Innocent" The Villain "Curse Him" The Hero "Unhand her, Coivard" The Countess "Sixteen Years Ago" The Villainess . "Strike her" Time — Consult your zvatch. Place — A safe distance ffvhi kfre: Time of Playing — Tzventy-tive Minutes. First produced under the direction of the authors at the Y. M. C. A., Watertown, N. Y., January 1, 1912. Notice. — Production of tbjs -play is free to amateurs, but the sole professional rights are resei'vcd by the Publishers COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY EBEN H. NORRIS. 2 0)CI.D 305G8 THE FATAL NECKLACE. COSTUMES. The Heroine — Cheap black dress, white apron, yellow wig with braids. Her duster should be extremely small and her locket immense. The Villain — Black riding suit and yellow riding boots ; carries a riding crop. (The boots and crop are very neces- sary.) Should also smoke a cigarette. The "bludgeon" should, like The Heroine's locket, be of an enormous size. It is almost needless to mention that The Villain's hair is black and that he wears a moustache. The Hero — He may, if desired, wear livery, but this is not at all necessary. Gray trousers with belt and white shirt turned in at the neck will serve very effectively. Natural hair. The pistol should be as large as can be procured, the longer the more effective. The Countess — Black silk or satin dress with train. White powdered hair with ornament of black ostrich plumes which bob to and fro with her every movement. She should carry a lorgnette. The Villainess — Red messaline, with long sweeping train and preferably with low neck and short sleeves. Long black gloves. Black wig with diamond ornament. Hands loaded with rings and a bracelet on each arm. Black jet ear- rings. Her revolver should be of the conventional size and shape used everywhere in the society play. Be sure that it gleams. The necklace may vary in appearance according to the wishes of the actors, but the case containing it should be of very ordinary and modest appearance. The effect pro- duced by its appearance when it is shown must be a sur- prise. Of course its size must be infinitely out of propor- tion and its material grotesque. A string of Christmas tree ornaments will serve the purpose quite well. PROPERTIES. Small palm, furniture, etc., as per description of stage settings. Crop, bread knife, large bludgeon and powder in white paper and cup for Villain. A very large and long 4 THE FATAL NECKLACE pistol for Hero. Enormous locket and small duster for Heroine. Lorgnette for Countess. Bright, gleaming pistol, many jewels and a flashy necklace in a very plain case for Villainess. DESCRIPTION OF STAGE SETTING. A drawing room. This setting may be as simple or as elaborate as is commensurate with the convenience of the performers. The following pieces of furniture are essential : A palm, as small a one as can be procured, at the back of the stage to the left of the center ; a chair near the front of the stage, also to the left of the center ; a small stand with a wine decanter and glasses — front center. A couch at the back of the stage near the right entrance. There should be a central entrance at back and one on each side, although where a platform does not permit of a back en- trance it may be dispensed with. Red plush is preferable for the furniture, and a number of cheap statues adds to the atmosphere of cheapness, which is what- the performers should endeavor to convey. Where desired, the setting may be altogether dispensed with and the piece given on any platform provided only" with the essential articles of furniture enumerated above. STAGE DIRECTIONS. R. means right of the stage ; C, center ; R. C, right cen- ter ; L., left ; R. D., right door ; L. D., left door, etc. ; 1 E., first entrance ; U . E., upper entrance, etc. ; D. F., door in flat or scene running across the back of the stage ; 1 G., first groove, etc. The actor is supposed to be facing the audience. THE FATAL NECKLACE Scene : A drawing room. See description of Stage Set- ting. Discovered, the Heroine in the dress of a maid dust- ing the furniture. The Villain enters R. He wears riding boots and car- ries a crop. Villain. Ah ! Here you are, my pretty one. At last I have a chance to speak with you alone. Heroine. Alas, sir, why should you wish to speak with me ? I am only a poor housemaid and you, you are heir to an earldom. Villain. Tell me, how would you like to be a lady, to wear silks and satins, to ride in a carriage, with servants to wait upon you and fulfill your every wish? How would you like to be a countess? Heroine, Ah, no, sir; such things are not for me. I am only a poor serving maid. But I was not, always one. I can remember back to a fair day when I was small. It must have been when I was a child, and there was a fair lady with golden curls and jewels about her neck — dia- monds. Villain. Bah ! You are dreaming. I would talk of the things that are real. You are a housemaid and I am the heir to an earldom. How would you like to share that earldom with me? Heroine. Ah, sir, you are jesting. Villain. I was never more in earnest. Come ; one kiss from those pretty lips to seal the bargain. Heroine. Stop ! Do not touch me. Why do you think that I do not know what you are, humble though I am ? To yield to you would be to become wife in name only and to lead an existence more horrible than death itself. No, I would not marry you for twenty earldoms. 6 THE FATAL NECKLACE. Villain. By heaven, but you are beautiful when you are angry. I shall have my kiss nevertheless. Heroine. Do not dare to approach me. I will scream for assistance. Villain. Scream. Who is there that would hear you. Scream, 1 say! I will teach you to scorn my kisses. {He pursues her about the room.) Heroine. Help ! Villain. I will teach you to despise my position. You vixen! {He seizes her.) Heroine. Oh ! The Hero enters R. and grasping the Villain by the coat coUar throws him to the ground. Hero. Lie there, you dog! Heroine. John! {Slie falls into the Hero's arms.) Villain {picking himself up). Curse you; you shall pay for this. There is another day coming. Hero. Yes, and on any one, if I find you insulting this poor defenceless girl, I will thrash you within an inch of your life. Now, go ! {He turns to the Heroine. The Vil- lain draws a bread knife from his coat and makes a pass at him. The Hero turns at the crucial moment, presenting a pistol.) Drop it! {The Villain does so.) Now go! Villain. Bah! {Exit, R.) Hero {to the Heroine, at C). I hate to think of you here alone in this man's power. His temper is so ungov- eranble. Is there no one to whom you could go? Heroine, No one. No one. I am all alone in the world. All that I have is my honor. Hero. Poor girl. I, too, am alone in the world. My father was killed fighting the Persians in A'enezuela and my mother died before I was born. Heroine {after a pause). And they're both dead? Hero {deeply affected). Yes, that is what the under- taker told me. Heroine. And you haven't any parents? THE FATAL NECKLACE 7 Hero (mournfully). No, the only two I ever had are gone. Heroine {as if imparting secret information). Then you're an orphan. Hero. What? Are you sure? {Horrified astonishment.) Heroine. Yes, for I am one, too. I think I had a mother once. She left me this. {Takes enormous locket from her dress.) I can remember back when there was a lady with golden curls and diamonds about her neck, and I am sure this is she. Is she not beautiful? Hero {looking at the locket). Ah ! What is this? {Leaves Heroine and crosses to R. Aside.) There is a coat of arms upon it and it is like the one the countess has upon her carriage. If they should be the same, then she is the countess' daughter, I must ascertain the truth at once. {Aloud, returning.) Will you trust this to my care for a little while? I will return it to you safely or die in the attempt. Heroine. I would trust you with anything — except my pay envelope. Hero. Dearest ! ( They embrace. He disengages him- self and crosses to R. again.) Now I must go and learn my fate. If she is a countess I cannot marry her. I will have to bid her an eternal farewell. {Exit R.) Heroine. How noble he is. When he looks at me his eyes seem to burn me through and through. I know not what this strange feeling is. Perhaps I have appendicitis. Enter the Countess, L. Countess. A word with you, my girl. I demand an explanation of your outrageous conduct directed towards my son and heir. Heroine. I know not what you speak, madame. I swear I am innocent. Countess (laughing bitterly). What! will you add impu- dence to deceit? Who has made eyes at my son? Who has enticed him from his mother's breast, weaned him from his mother's love? (Advancing on Heroine ivith each ques- 8 THE FATAL NECKLACE. Hon. Latter retreats, terrified.) Who has followed him, tempted him, and who would ruin him ? You ! You ! You ! {Shakes her lorgnette.) Heroine. Your words bewilder me. I do not under- stand you. You wrong me, madame. Be pitiful. I am a poor orphan with neither father nor mother. Countess, Bah ! Do you think I am moved by your tears? Leave my presence, vile corrupter of innocent chil- dren. You and I will have a reckoning- later on — later on. (Exit the Heroine in tears, R. Countess approaches chair, L. center, and sits in meditation.) Sixteen years ago I was a happy mother, because I had a golden haired child. How sweetly the birds sang on the morning of her birth. It seemed as though a new song had sprung up in my heart. But one day a great change came. (Rising.) The housemaid mislaid the baby. A rigid search was instituted. The housemaid was instantly discharged, but we found her not. (Paces the floor.) If she is not dead, then she is living, and if she is not living, then (stops, arrested by the new thought) there is a slight possibility that she is dead. The late count passed away still ig-nor-ant of his daugh- ter's loss, calling upon her name in his delirium tremens. Since then I have had no one — no one in whom I might confide my sorrow. (At the conclusion of the speech she sinks into the chair sobbing.) The Villainess enters from C. door at back. ViLLAiNESS. Ah! What is the trouble, my dear aunt? (Aside.) I wonder if I cannot wrest from her some infor- mation about that necklace? Countess. Alas, my dear Berthalda, I am weighed . down by the burden of impending fate. Some great shadow overpowers me, like a toddling child on the brink of a precipice. ViLLAiNESS. What ! Despondent this morning, when the birds are singing so gaily? See how in the garden the sun (Countess rises to see, gasing off L. Villainess stands behind her) shines on the sparkling waters of the THE FATAL NECKLACE. 9 fountain until they gleam like the diamonds I have seen you wear about your neck, dear aunt. (Aside.) If all goes well, who knows but what they may yet gleam elsewhere? Countess, Ah, what need have I of gems, now that my golden hair is turning white. They lie deep in my jewel case, like the thoughts within my heart. (Sobbing.) ViLLAiNESS (helping her to a chair). Why, my dear aunt, you are quite overcome. (Aside). Deep in her jewel case. Ah, ha. Th'e Villain enters from L., carrying a bludgeon behind him. ViLLAiNESS. Archibald, your mother is indisposed. Villain (rushing to the Countess' side). Mother. (Kissing her hand.) Ah, that I might be able to do more to brighten these sad days of your declining life. (Aside to ViLLAiNESS.) Now is our time. What is our first step? Here the Heroine enters R. and conceals herself behind palm on L. All aside speeches given in the presence of other characters should not be accompanied by any loiver- ing of the voice. ViLLAiNESS. Once she is out of the way all will be easy. I know where the jewels are concealed. They are on her dresser. Villain. And must I strike her down? ViLLAiNESS. Choose between that or ruin. It is her life or yours. Choose. Villain. Farewell, mother. I am off for the chase. Countess. Farewell, my son. , Thy mother's prayers are with thee. ViLLAiNESS. Now is 3'our time. Curse you, why do you delay? Strike her; strike her. (He strikes the Count- ess. She falls from the chair.) Villain. Be quick. Find the jewels and then our das- tardly work is done, and not a witness to our crime. Heroine (7vho has been concealed behind palm). I have seen your work and I shall expose you. lO THE FATAL NECKLACE. ViLLAiNESS. I will return with the jewels. Complete your work. (Exit C. door at back.) Villain (peering around the room). Now I shall be rich, and I will free myself of her, curse her, and no one will be the wiser. Heroine (behind palm). Excepting me, sir; excepting me. Re-enter the Villmness from back with jewel case. ViLLAiNESS. Here are your jewels, Archibald. Villain. Ah, 'tis well. (Holding up jezvels tvhich he takes from case.) How they gleam. Now the honor of the house of Spondulicks will be redeemed and I may escape the country. ViLLAiNESS. Not without me, not without me, Archi- bald. I will follow you to the ends of the earth. I will help you to become rich, powerful, great, because I love you. I love you, Archibald. Behold me. You have made me what I am, and now if you forsake me, if you betray me, if you play me false, you shall see me play my trumps, for I will kill you. I swear it. (Right hand pointed directly upward while she displays revolver in left extended before the Villain. The latter, during her speech, having placed jewels on stand, rolls a cigarette.) Villain (blowing cigarette smoke in her face.) Don't be so damned affectionate. ViLLAiNESS. Come. We will lay your mother on the couch. This must seem another's work. (After a prolonged struggle they succeed in carrying the Countess to the couch.) Villain. I will fasten the blame upon the coachman, curse him. He shall pay for his insult to me. (Aside.) I will also' get rid of her. Then I will be free. (Aloud.) Come, we will pledge each other in a cup of wine. (He pours the contents of a white paper into a cup and hands it to th-e ViLLAiNESS.) Let us drink to our future happiness. Countess (on the couch). Oh! Oh! Villain. Curses! She is recovering. (The Heroine comes from- behind the palm and changes the glasses.) THE FATAL NECKLACE. 11 Heroine. Now let them drink. He holds the fatal cup. (She retires to her place of concealment.) ViLLAiNESS {returning to the table). You bade me drink. Here is to our love, Archibald. Villain. To our love, Berthalda. {They drink.) Countess {sitting up). Help! Murder! Police! I have been beaten. I feel black and blue all over. How exceed- ingly blaek and blue one feels after they have been mur- dered.-^ Villain. Yes, mother. We arrived just in time to save you. Your maid and the coachman had knocked you silly and they have fled with your jewels. Heroine {coming forzvard). That is a lie. I swear it. I saw you strike her, you brute. She stole the jewels. Countess. What is this? You tried to kill me? You mean things. Villain {seising Heroine by the throat). Curse you, I will choke those words back into your windpipe. They are the last that you shall ever utter. ViLLAiNESS. That's right, Archibald. Pinch her. Countess. Aly dear niece, you are really cruel. Heroine. Help ! Hero rushing in C. Hero. Unhand her, coward, or I will fill you full of lead. Villain. You, too? Curse you, I will escape. Heroine. You cannot. You have not an hour to- live. The poison that you prepared for another you have drunk yourself. You are dying. Villain. What? O, I am done for. ViLLAiNESS. Poison ! {Rushes to table and examines glass, throzvs it down). You meant that for me. Curse you, Archibald, I hate you. That was a low down* (/era/ place) trick. {Bursts into tears.) Countess. Oh, this place is worse than (local). I wish we had {local organization). 12 THE FATAL NECKLACE. Villain. Oh, the agony. It was the fatal cup. This is murder. Hero. No, it is not murder. It is justice. Villain. Ah, curse you all. I die. (He falls zvrithing in agony.) . ViLLAiNESS. Archibald, despite what you have done, I I love you still. I will follow you. {Starts to go to Villain, but retreats cowering on Hero's speech.) Hero. Another fate awaits you, vile murderess. Count- ess, this woman is not your niece. She is an impostor. And this poor, wronged, friendless, innocent girl, this tender lamb sacrificed to their wanton cruelty is your long lost daughter. The coat of arms on the locket matches that upon your coach. Take her to your arms. Countess. My child, can you forgive me? Heroine. Mother ! Hero. I've brought another little lamb into the fold ! Villain, Berthalda, I die, I die, I die! ViLLAiNESS (rushing to him). Archibald! Dead, dead, dead! (Falls on her knees beside the body.) Hero. Here, fair lady, are the missing papers. They prove that you were truly and positively born. Heroine. O, thank you, sir. You have removed a great doubt from off my mind. Hero. And now I must bid you an eternal farewell. You are a lady and I am only a poor coachman. An un- bridgeable gulf yawns (all yawn) between us. Farewell, forever. Heroine. John, you shall not go. I love you. Hero. lolanthe ! Countess. Stay with us. You shall have my daughter for your wife, and I will let you shovel my sidewalks. Heroine. My husband! (They embrace.) ViLLAiNESS (rising from beside Villain^s body). Fare- well, all of you. My heart is broken. I go to follow the man I love. Farewell forever. (She Nourishes a pistol, . pointing it at her head and in loud voice.) BANG! Archi- THE FATAL NECKLACE. 13 bald, I come. (She falls on the Villain's body.) Forgive me, I am guilty. (She dies.) Countess. Let us forgive her. She sinned because she loved. Hero. And now we shall live happy ever after. Countess. And you shall have my jewels upon your wedding day. Bless you, my children. Hero (coming forivard). Ladies and gentlemen: Tomor- row night we will play East Lynne. Curtain. Note. — Curtain call will prove most effective if the cur- tain is raised on empty stage and each character appears separately until all have entered. The Heiress of Hoetown By HARRY L. NEWTON AND JOHN PIERRE ROACH. Price, 23 Cents A rural comedy, 3 acts; 8 m., 4 f. Time, 2 h. Scenes: 2 ex- teriors. Characters: Jimmie Blake, a physical culturist. Jack Wright, a civil engineer. Ezra Stonyboy, the postmaster. Count Picard, waiting at the church. Corporal Cannon, a veteran. White Blackstone, dealer in titles. Congressman Drybottle, a power in politics. Doolittle Much, constable and proprietor of the village hack. Mary Darling, an heiress. Jane Stonyboy, with ideas. Tillie Tung, the village pest. SYNOPSIS. Act I. — Borrowing a screen door. Blackstone, a dealer in titl<^s. Mary comes back home. Blackstone wants Jimmie to travel for his health. "One hundred thousand dollars as expense money." "No, I am going to a strawberry festival and that's worth more to me." The lost necklace. The proprietor of the village hack discovers something. "She's a fine gal, she is." Act II. — The Strawberry Festival. Blackstone schemes a quick marriage. A busy time for Doolittle Much. "Search that man. Constable!" The necklace is found on the wrong man. "Any man caught with no visible means of support can be arrested as a com- mon vag." The Count is "pinched." Act III. — The siege of Hoetown. The Count works out his fine on the highway. "Shark, you're a liar!" The financial panic and the loss of Mary's money. The Count and Blackstone get "cold feet" and hike for old Broadway. Mary loses her home. "Come on, kid, I've got carfare." Mirandy's Minstrels By SOPHIE HUTH PERKINS, Price, 25 Cents A Female Minstrel entertainment. A complete ladies' minstrel show, full of novel ideas for costumes, finale, etc. Contains new jokes, gags, cross-fires, monologues and stump speeches. Ending with a most laughable farce, "Mrs. Black's Pink Tea," for 10 female characters, which is a gem of humor. Those that have "put on" female minstrels and know the difficulty of obtaining suit- able material, will be delighted with this book. It is highly humor- ous, yet refined enough for any audience. The Third Decree By MAYME RIDDLE BITNEY. Price, 23 Cents A female burlesque initiation; 12 f. and any number of members. Time, about 40 m. Scene: Any lodge room. Characters: Head Officer, Instructors, Assistants, Marshal, Doorkeepers, etc. It is unique, as it can be used as an initiation for any society or lodge or as an entertainment. Brim full of fun and action, yet not too bois- terous. Will please all women. T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO All A Mistake ! By W. C. PARKER. Price, 23 Cents Farce-comedy, 3 acts; 4 m., 4 f. Time, about 2 h. Scenes: Easy Jo set. Lawn at "Oak Farm" and drawing-room. Characters: Capt. Obadiali Skinner, a retired sea captain. Lieut. George Ricii- mofid, his nephew, who starts the trouble. Richard Hamilton, a country gentleman. Ferdinand Lighthead, who falls in love don- cherknow. Nellie Richmond, George's wife. Nellie Huntington, a friend. Nellie Skinner, antiquated but still looking for a man. Nellie Mclntyre, a servant. SYNOPSIS. Act I. — The arrival of George and his bride. A friend in need. The old maid and her secret. Ferdy in search of a wife. George's jealousy. The sudden appearance of a most undesirable party. George's quick wit prevents discovery. Act II. — The plot thickens. Cornelia in search of her "Romeo." The downfall of Ferdy. Richard attempts to try the "soothing system" on a lunatic. George has a scheme connected with a fire in the furnace and some pitch tar. Richard runs amuck amid gen- eral confusion. Act III. — The Captain arms himself with a butcher knife and plans revenge. Nellie hopelessly insane. The comedy duel. "Ro- meo" at last. "Only one Nellie in the world." The unraveling of a skein of mystery, and the finish of an exciting day, to find it was "All a Mistake." A Busy Liar By GEORGE TOTTEN SMITH. Price, 25 Cents Farce-comedy, 3 acts; 7 m., 4 f. Time, 2i/4 h. Scenes: Easy to set, 1 exterior, 2 interiors. Characters: Simeon Meeker, who told one lie. Judge Quakely. Senator Carrollton. Macbeth, a hot-headed Scotchman. Dick, in a matrimonial tangle. William Trott, a re- cruit. Job Lotts, another one. Mrs. MacFarland, everybody's friend. Tennie, with a mind of her own. Janet, a Scotch lassie. Mrs. Early, a young widow. SYNOPSIS. Act I. — Off to the war. A paternal arrangement of marriage. Janet of the Macbeth clan. Some complications. Meeker and the Widow. A lapse from truth. Meeker made captain. "You are afraid to go." "Afraid? Never!" Act II. — In camp. Captain Meeker and strict discipline. The Widow, the Judge and the Senator court-martialed. The Widow wins. Another lie and more complications. An infuriated Scotch- man. "You held her in your arms." "She is my wife." Act III. — The ball. "Not military matters, but matrimony." "Another of Meeker's fairy stories." The Captain in kilts. "'The funniest thing I ever saw." The Widow untangles a tangle of lies. A lass for every lad. Peace proclaimed. Meeker remains "at the base of supplies." T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO Denison^s Vaudeville Sketches Price, 15 Cents Each, Postpaid. Nearly all of these ske'tcnes were written for profes< sionals and have been given with great success oy vnude* ville artists of note. They are essentially dramatic and ve'-y funny; up-to-date comedy. They are not recom- mended for church entertainments; however, they con- tain nothing that will offend, and are all within the range of amateurs. DOINGS OF A DUDE.— Vaudeville sketch, by Harry L. Newton; 2 m., 1 f. Time 20 m. Scene: Simple interior. Maizy Von Billion of athletic tendsn- cles is expecting a boxing instructor and has procured Bloody Mike, a prize fighter, to " try him out." Percy Montmorency, her sister's ping pong teacher, is mistaken for the boxing instructor and has a "trying oat" that Is a sur- prise. A whirlwind of fun and action. FRESH TIMOTHY HAY.— Vaudeville sketch, by Harry L. Newton; 2 m., 1 f. Time 20 m. Scene: Simple rural exterior. By terms of a will, Eose Lark must nin,rry Reed Bird or forfeit a legacy. Rose and Reed have never met and when he arrives Timothy Hay, a fresh farm hand, mistakes him f»r Pink Eye Pete, a notorious thief. Ludicrous lines and rapid action. OLICKJVIAN. THE GLAZIER.— Vaudeville sketch, by Harry L. Newton and A. S. Hoffman; 1 m., 1 f. Time 26 m. Scene: Simple interior. Char- lotte Russe, an actress, is scored by a dramatic paper. With "blood in her eye" she seeks the critic at the office, finds no one in and smashes a window. Jacob Qlickman, a Hebrew glazier, rushes in and is mistaken for the critic. Fun, Jokes, gags and action follow with lightning rapidity. A great Jew part. THE GODDESS OF LOVE.— Vaudeville sketch, by Harry L. Newton; 1 m., 1 f. Time 15 m. Scene: Simple exterior. Aphrodite, a Greek goddess, is a Btatue in the park. According to tradition a gold ring placed upon her finger will bring her to life. Knott Jones, a tramp, who had slept in the park al) night, brings her to life. A rare combination of the beautiful and the best of comedy. Novel, easy to produce and a great hi*,. HEY, RUBEI— Monologue, by Harry L.Newton ; Im. Time 16 m. Reuben Spinach from Yapton visits Chicago for the first time. The way he tells of the sights and what befell him would make a sphiEX laugh. !S IT RAINING?— Vaudeville sketch, by Harry L. Newton; 1 m., 1 f. Time 10 m. Otto Swimorebeer, a German, Susan Pairweather, a friend of his. This act runs riot with fun, gags, absurdities and comical lines. MARRIAGE AND AFTER.— Monologue, by Harry L. Newton and A. S. Hoffman; 1 m. Time about 10 m. A laugh every two seconds on a subject which appeals to all. Full of local hits. ME AND MY DOWN TRODDEN SEX.— Old maid monologue, by Harry L. Newton; 1 f. Time 5 m. Polly has lived long enough to gather a few facts about men, which are told in the most laughable manner imaginable. AN OYSTER STEW.— A rapid-fire talking act, by Harry L. Newton and A. S. Hoffman; 2 m. Time 10 m. Dick Tell, a knowing chap. Tom Askit, not so wise. This act is filled to overflowing with lightning croes-fires, pointed puns and hot retorts. PICKLES FOR TWO.— Dutch rapid-fire talking act, by Harry L. Newton and A. S. Hoffman; 2 m. Time 15 m. Hans, a German mixer. Gus, another one. Unique ludicrous Dutch dialect, interspersed with rib-starting witti- cisms. The style of act made famous by Weber and Field. THE TROUBLES OF ROZINSKI.— Jew monologu e, by Harry L. Newton and A. S. Hoffman; 1 m. Time 15 m. Rozjnski, a buttonhole-maker, is forced to join the union and go on a " strike." He has troubles every minute that will tickle the ribs of both Labor and Capital. WORDS TO THE WISE.— Monologue, by Harry L. Newton; 1 m. Time about 15 m. A typical vaudeville talking act, which is fat with funny li/;«ea sod rich rare hits that will be remembered and laughed over for weeks. T. S. DENISON & COM(»ANY, 154 W. Randolph St.^ Chicago DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS. Price 15 Cents Each. Postpaid. Unless Different Price Is Given. Documentary Evidence, 25 min. 1 1 Dude in a Cyclone, 20 min.... 4 2 Family Strike, 20 min 3 3 First-Class Hotel, 20 min...... 4 For Love and Honor, 20 min.. 2 1 Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 5 Fun in a Photograph Gallery, 30 min 6 10 Great Doughnut Corporation, 30 min 3 5 Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6