Theater: Old Play in Manhattan: Sep. 26, 1938

Lightnin' (by Winchell Smith & Frank Bacon; produced by John Golden). A sentimental, middle-aged first-night audience, typified by former Governor Alfred E. Smith, last week greeted Lightnin' in revival. Opening originally in 1918, Lightnin' ran 1291 performances, setting a Broadway record since topped only by Abie's Irish Rose (2,532 performances). Tobacco Road (2,050). Experienced theatregoers worried little whether Lightnin' would date, knowing that it already dated when first written. For old as folk drama is the tale of warm-hearted Lightnin' Bill Jones, who loafs as chronically as Rip van Winkle, lies as...

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