The Theatre: Show Business: Jan. 23, 1939

> In England last month the Merseyside Left Theatre Club produced Clifford Odets’ Waiting for Lefty. From the play the Lord Chamberlain (official censor) had struck out—as profane—the line: “They’ll tear Christ from his bleeding cross.” When the Merseysiders used the line anyhow, an uproar followed. The manager banged down the curtain. Ten of the club’s actors and officials were ordered arrested.

Pleading guilty last week to using the line—and also to presenting another Odets play, I Can’t Sleep—without authorization, all ten were fined $7.50, put on probation for a year.