NOTE—­Mr. Belasco does not intend to advance any theory as to the probability of the return of the main character of this play.  For the many, it may be said that he could exist only in the minds of the characters grouped about him—­in their subconscious memories.  For the few, his presence will embody the theory of the survival of persistent personal energy.  This character has, so far as possible, been treated to accord with either thought.  The initial idea of the play was first suggested as a dramatic possibility by Mr. Cecil DeMille, to whom Mr. Belasco acknowledges his indebtedness.  A conversation with Professor James, of Harvard, and the works of Professor Hyslop of the American branch of the London Society of Psychical Research have also aided Mr. Belasco.

The play produced under the personal supervision of Mr. Belasco.

Stage Director....................................William J. Dean

Stage Manager........................................William Boag

Scene by Ernest Gros.

Scenery built by Charles J. Canon

Electrical effects by Louis Hartman.]

THE RETURN OF PETER GRIMM

A PLAY IN THREE ACTS

By DAVID BELASCO

1915

[The Editor wishes to thank Mr. David Belasco for his courtesy in granting permission to include “The Return of Peter Grimm” in the present Collection.  All its rights are fully secured, and proceedings will immediately be taken against any one attempting to infringe them.]

ACT I.

The scene shows a comfortable living-room in an old house.  The furniture was brought to America by PETER GRIMM’S_ ancestors.  The GRIMMS were, for the most part, frugal people, but two or three fine paintings have been inherited by PETER.

A small, old-fashioned piano stands near the open window, a few comfortable chairs, a desk with a hanging lamp above it, and an arm-chair in front of it, a quaint old fireplace, a Dutch wall clock with weights, a sofa, a hat-rack, and mahogany flower-pot holders, are set about the room; but the most treasured possession is a large family Bible lying on a table.  A door leads to a small office occupied by PETER’S_ secretary._

Stairs lead to the sleeping-rooms above.  Through the window, hothouses, beds of tulips, and other flowers, shrubs and trees are seen.  “Peter Grimm’s Botanic Gardens” supply seeds, plants, shrubbery and trees to the wholesale, as well as retail trade, and the view suggests the importance of the industry.  An old Dutch windmill, erected by a Colonial ancestor, gives a quaint touch, to the picture.  Although PETER GRIMM_ is a very wealthy man, he lives as simply as his ancestors._