+ − The Times [London] Lit Sup p563 S 2 ’20 600w
PLATT, AGNES. Practical hints on playwriting. il *$1.50 (5c) Dodd 808.2
20–17152
A book of advice on writing for the professional stage. The author says “I do most fervently believe that the dry bones of stage technique can be taught—in fact, all my personal experience goes to prove this. I have been handling plays now for more years than I care to remember, and have found in case after case that a little technical adjustment will turn an unmarketable play into a commercial proposition.” Among the topics covered are: What the public want; Things that are essential in a good play; How to choose a plot; How to select and differentiate the characters; Humour; How to sell a play when finished; Casting and production. A glossary of stage terms comes at the end. The author is an English woman writing with London conditions in mind but most of her discussion is general in nature.
+ Ath p384 Mr 19 ’20 50w
“A beginner, provided he were only a beginner with no idea of the drama, would do well to read this book.”
+ N Y Evening Post p10 D 31 ’20 180w
PLUMB, CHARLES SUMNER. Types and breeds of farm animals. (Country life educ. ser.) rev ed il *$3.80 Ginn 636
20–8897