French theatricals

Monday, February 28th., Hotel Bristol, Paris.

The Andre Maurois'

Lunch at the Andre Maurois' at Neuilly, and met Madame Maurois. Present also: Mimi and husband, Jouvet (director of the Comedie des Champs Elysees) and the Comte and Comtesse Guy de Pourtales (he being the author of the new life of Liszt). He is a hearty bright fellow. Both Dorothy and I were very pleased with Jouvet, but had no opportunity to talk to him. Maurois took me aside, and told me formally that he wished to adapt "Milestones" for the French stage, and I have informally given him permission and told him that he could have a free hand to alter it as he thought best. The Pourtales drove us back to the hotel. 


We dined at the Cheval Pie and then walked to the "Studio des Champ Elysees" for a rendezvous with the Maurois' and Maurice Baring, who had come over in the afternoon, to see "Maya". We had a private directorial box, and it was very hot and hard with a very side view. The play is drawing all Paris because it is about the life of grues at Marseilles. it is very dull and artistically is not a bit better than "Le Souris d'hotel" that we saw the other evening at the Edouard VII."Maya" was apparently a flop when first put on stage three years ago but has been revived by Gaston Batty. maurois attributes much of its success to a striking poster designed by Paul Colin. It is certainly strong and effective.