The Truth

   This comedy by Clyde Fitch opened on 7 January 1907 at the Criterion Theater and managed only 34 performances despite its critical assessment as Fitch's finest play. Some have seen the play's action as similar to that in Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, although Fitch provided a happy ending. The title refers ironically to the web of deceit spun by Becky Warder, a congenital liar who loses her husband's respect. She wins it back only upon repairing the damage done by her lies. Clara Bloodgood, the play's star, who had previously appeared in several Fitch plays, was a success on tour with the play during 1907. However, during her Baltimore engagement with the play, Bloodgood shot herself. It was speculated that her suicide was prompted by the play's triumphant London production starring Marie Tempest, exacerbated by Fitch's dedication of the published play to Tempest. Fitch denied any connection in the torrent of newspaper coverage of Bloodgood's death. In 1914, The Truth was revived for 55 performances on Broadway, starring Grace George.