FROM BROADWAY

'The Best Man' Extols Practical Politics

By HARLOWE R. HOYT Plain Dealer Drama Critic

Gore Vidal's

NEW YORK "The Best Man" at the Moros-

grassroots philosopher, his silvered head of many hustings bloody but unbowed; a combination of Garner, "striking a blow for liberty," and Truman, practical politician; ready to

co Theater is a fine workmanlike drama of political expeadmit Russell's opponent "a diency by two presidential can-

didates 'on

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nomination eve, each secking, an ex presidential endorsement. Filled with humor, fast action, and smart dialogue of the Vidal brand, it's played by an ideally selected trio and fine supporting cast. No party is indicated. "Any similarity" is denied by the playwright, including resemblance to Allen Drury's "Advise and Consent" (book, not drama) for Vidal's play also has its tinge of homosexuality. But this trio inevitably fashions itself into prototypes of several political lead-

HARLOWE HOYT

ers.

Your Choice

en-

bastard" but good political timber; withholding his dorsement, approving dirty fighting; by its very nature, the strongest character of the trio.

Practical Politics

Lovejoy fosters campaign fodder with the discovery that Douglas once suffered a mental breakdown which he expands

into mental instability and suicidal tendencies. Douglas is supplied with hints of his opponents homosexual tendencies during war service. This is the situation on the eve of nominations.

It moves certainly in its development with the finesse of Vidal's dramatic manipulation. Action is in two hotel suites in Philadelphia, alternating between the candidates and their

hangers-on. Joe Mielziner has for almost instant changes, and cleverly designed the scenery Joseph Anthony has directed with certainty.

Melvin Douglas, former secretary of state, of Groton and Harvard, a bit of a playboy, troubled with domestic relations; looking askance at practical politics-"gossip instead of issues, personalities instead The crux of the plot finds of politics," prefacing an adthe ex-president dead (he has dress with "For those whom faced a fatal cancer throughwe are about to deceive, oh, out) and the two candidates Lord, make us truly compasmeeting to thrash it out. The sionate": suggests a shadowy Adlai Stevenson.

practical politician seeks compromise, offering the vice-presidency. The other refuses, releases his candidates to an unknown, and ends it all with a satirical: "Of course I am hapPy. The best man won."

Frank Lovejoy, opposing candidate, a senator, of outspoken righteousness; aided by a venemous wife with a leaning towards the bottle; an inspired dirty fighter; hiding behind a Three sterling performances facade of hypocrisy and "devowith Tracy having the best of tion to the public for the best it. Leora Dana and Kathleen of the nation": hypnotizing McGuire add the domestic himself into believing it; a touch as the two wives, while combination of characters, past Ruth McDevitt brings comedy and present. Take your choice. as a national committewoman, Lee Tracy, former president, "the only living link between