SHAW, George Bernard (1856-1950). Playwright.
Typescript with autograph additions and an Autograph Note Signed ('GBS') pinned to the head, 1 page 4to (edges and folds worn), 23 May 1928. A critique of Canadian Hubert Osborne's play Eve's Complaint, which was refused a license in England but had a successful run in Paris. The attached message, on Shaw's compliments card, notes an appointment with Osborne.

'... It is essentially a play for women. Men do not like to see women going on like that. Women - many women - do. But as such reactionary and rebellious moods are transient the sooner the play is produced the better.'

Osborne's play tells of a woman, married to an unresponsive husband, who seeks and enjoys a holiday romance. In the end, however, her conscience prevails and she returns to her husband.
In an interview given on his return to Canada, Osborne recalled his meeting with Shaw. Though apprehensive and forewarned of Shaw's ill-temper, he found him 'a gracious, kind and extremely generous person, modest to the last degree'.
 Also included are two Typewritten Letters Signed from the Lord Chamberlain's Office, one to theatre manager Ida Molesworth, the second to the Director of the English Players in Paris (Frank Reynolds), each 1 page 4to, 4 and 15 June 1928. Both letters refuse to grant a licence for Eve's Complaint ('the whole theme and atmosphere of the above play is such as to render it unsuitable for public performance in this country').
[No: 24441]