Ethel Waters, the flaming tower of dusky regality, who knows how to make a song stand on tiptoe."

In the 1920s dramatists attacked their subjects as if the inequities could be resolved. Some of the traditional optimism of America lurked behind most of the early plays. But not now. There is no conviction now that the problem will be solved.

There is no joy so great as that of reporting that a good play has come to town.

"We cheerfully assume that in some mystic way love conquers all, that good outweighs evil in the just balances of the universe and at the 11th hour something gloriously triumphant will prevent the worst before it happens."

After each war there is a little less democracy to save.