THE STORY: As Richard Watts, Jr. comments, “Although Mr. Inge is fair and sympathetic to both sides, it would seem that he inclines slightly to the cause of the older generation. This, however, is one of the deftest touches in his treatment of the subject. For maturity, as it may be described at least technically, is represented by two unlikely prospects, a foolish, innocent and bewildered mother and a matronly bachelor unhampered by any illusions of masculinity. Yet how likeable both of them turn out to be! They are confronted by quite a problem, too. A boy, who happens to have been adopted by the bachelor, and a girl, who is the unworldly lady’s daughter, have got themselves married and are about to have a child, and the thought alarms the young pair. The boy wants his freedom and the girl wants to prove her independence by giving it to him, and they have agreed to send the baby to an institution for adoption when it arrives. And it arrives unexpectedly, and amid great alarm…Mr. Inge is good-natured but he is also sharp and can be witty. Instead of getting in the way of the seriousness of his point of view, the humor emphasizes it…The foolishness of the girl’s naïve mother is made honestly moving, the sentimental reconciliation of the boy and girl is believably touching, and the scenes of the peculiar bachelors are downright hilarious."
This engaging play offers a tolerant and good-humored examination of the misunderstanding between generations.
“…rejoice with me in a lovely play.” —Newsday (NY).
“…not only a warm-hearted and delightful play but a very fine one. A comedy possessing wisdom as well as laughter.” —New York Post.
