Coward's post war plays don't seem to be revived as often as his 30s/40s output. This one has a little more life than the others, owing to its excellent concept - its set in a retirement home for old actresses, giving showy parts to old grand dames. The concept is better than the play.
I really wanted to love this. The idea is so good. But there's no jokes. Where are the self centered ego maniacs, the flamboyant types of his earlier works? They're just kind of... sensible.
Two of them have a feud, but it's sorted out after one chat. I mean, one chat. It's a decent chat but it's so quick. Why not jack it up? The conflict comes from a newspaper doing an article but that is dealt with.
Why not have them fight over a man? A role? A kid? Power in the home? Use the concept, Noel!
I wish he'd rewritten this. Some good moments like a woman meeting her son.
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