FREE SCRIPT REVIEW "Niobe: All smiles" (1904) by Harry Paulton (1841–1917) and Edward Paulton (1866–1939)

Full Length Comedy Five Male Seven Female My big fat Greek-Roman statue bought the house down... do you know anybody with concrete figures in their garden? This play had 540 performances in the initial run at the west end of london. The silent 1915 black and white film print is lost. A translated Italian version was revived earlier this year in Padua, Italy. Niobe was the queen of thebes in greek mythology. Her seven children were killed for her boasting to the gods. She was turned to stone as punishment for her noisy weeping. Depicted in marble as mourning or pleading. This posturing later provides melodramatic relief. The basic story involves a magical transformation involving a quaint electric shock. The fall-out rests on the patriarch of the household. There is a sub plot involving mistaken identity of the new governess. There is romantic interest between the defiant young Hattie and opportunist Cornelius. Indeed, The governess raises a question about Cornelius intentions. Do mother's ever disapprove their children's use of modernisms in tame language? Critics may contend that modern audiences hold no interest in sustained suspense around infidelity. I argue even the most enlightened youngsters have experienced enough jealousy to appreciate the sentiments. More dour personalities will delight in voyeurism on the discomfort of the accused, as the truth unfolds and the characters are exonerated. It is said Edward VII was fond of evening dress, and this play is unashamed Edwardian, but can be played in modern attire. Break out the chinoiserie, or play it without backdrop. The only specific requirement for the otherwise drawing room set, call for a secret door or curtain slit for an entrance behind a screen, optional piano, crowd sound effects and a podium to suit a life-size marble statue. Full text http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks13/1304511.txt Video sample (Italian language) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiEs6hIKQ90