Best Plays in Manhattan

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

SERIOUS

COQUETTE--Helen Hayes in the true tragedy of a small-town belle whose father causes her to commit suicide after her lover has seduced her (TIME, Nov. 21).

TWELVE THOUSAND--The history of the U. S. revolution transplanted to the palace of an unscrupulous Prussian Prince (TIME, March 26).

STRANGE INTERLUDE--Eugene O'Neill looks at a somewhat masochistic lady and the lovers who have not made her happy. Produced by the Theatre Guild, furnished with soliloquies and asides, played by Lynn Fontanne and others for five hours a day (TIME, Feb. 13).

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

MELODRAMA

THE TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN--A chorus girl being double-cross-examined in a courtroom (TIME, Oct. 3).

INTERFERENCE--The haughty upper classes passing poisoned demi-tasses (TIME, Oct. 31).

THE SILENT HOUSE--In which a Chinaman finds ways that are dark (TIME, Feb. 20).

Other able melodramas: DRACULA, THE FURIES.

FUNNY

THE COMMAND TO LOVE--How a diplomat mixes business with somewhat ardent pleasure (TIME, Oct. 3).

THE ROYAL FAMILY--Exciting moments in the home life of our better mimes (TIME, Jan. 9).

PARIS BOUND--A victory for both sides in the tie that binds (TIME, Jan. 9).

THE BACHELOR FATHER--"Whose baby are you?" played on a silver piccolo (TIME, March 12).

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

MUSICAL

Hot stuff and nonsense: Funny Face, Good News, Rain or Shine, Manhattan Mary, Keep Shufflin', Rosalie.

Dulcet and decorative :Show Boat, A Connecticut Yankee, The Three Musketeers.