Best Plays in Manhattan

These are the plays which, in the light of metropolitan criticism, seem most important.

SERIOUS

PORGY--Violent, truthful drama acted by and about black people (TIME, Oct. 24)

COQUETTE--Helen Hayes living the tragedy of a pretty girl in a small Southern town (TIME, Nov. 21).

STRANGE INTERLUDE--Nine acts of Eugene O'Neill, produced by the Theatre Guild, about a neurotic woman who gets small satisfaction from her lovers or her life (TIME, Feb. 13).

TWELVE THOUSAND--Why a Prussian Prince did not sell an army to fight for England in the Revolution (TIME, March 26).

Other well-regarded serious plays: Civic REPERTORY PRODUCTIONS, MARCO MILLIONS.

MELODRAMA

THE TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN--Court procedure in the case of a chorus girl held for murder (TIME, Oct. 3).

INTERFERENCE--Proving politely that bad men may sometimes wear monocles instead of masks (TIME, Oct. 31).

THE SILENT HOUSE--A Chinaman who is really killing (TIME, Feb. 20).

Another able melodrama: DRACULA.

FUNNY

THE COMMAND TO LOVE--Glittering glimpses of a diplomat in rompers (TIME, Oct. 3).

THE ROYAL FAMILY--A not entirely charitable performance for the benefit of those who wish to know more about the home life of high class actors (TIME, Jan. 9)

PARIS BOUND--Divorce is avoided by the twinkling of an eye (TIME, Jan. 9).

THE BACHELOR FATHER--Fairy tale about the gruff old libertine and his three little bastards (TIME, March 12).

Other funny plays: BURLESQUE, THE SHANNONS OF BROADWAY, THE QUEEN'S HUSBAND.

MUSICAL

Song and dance for the weary: Funny Face, Show Boat, Good News, A Connecticut Yankee, Manhattan Mary, Keep Shufflin', The Three Musqueteers.