The Demi-Virgin

The Demi-Virgin: A Play That Sparked Controversy

Imagine a play that dared to explore the depths of human desire and passion, pushing boundaries with its suggestive dialogue and revealing costumes. This was The Demi-Virgin, written by Avery Hopwood in 1921-22. It’s a story that intertwines the lives of former lovers Gloria Graham and Wally Deane, both movie actors, as they navigate their complicated relationship.

Act I: The Marriage and Divorce

The plot revolves around Gloria’s marriage to Wally, which was brief but left many speculating about her status. Their divorce sets the stage for a reunion in a movie project, leading to a love scene between them. However, their relationship is far from over as Gloria attempts to seduce Wally again in his bedroom suite.

Act II: The Controversial Strip Game

The play’s climax features a controversial scene where actresses strip as part of a card game called ‘Stripping Cupid.’ This allusion to the scandal involving Hollywood actor Fatty Arbuckle added to its notoriety. One actress, Dot Madison, is down to her last two items of clothing when Wally returns to the room. The play’s explicitness drew censors’ attention and led to its eventual censorship.

Act III: The Legal Battle

The Broadway production began on September 26, 1921, in Pittsburgh but was closed early by local authorities due to controversy. It then moved to Stamford, Connecticut, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, without incident before opening at the Times Square Theatre on October 18, 1921.

Cast and Characters

The role of Gloria Graham was initially played by Hazel Dawn, who had starred in another Woods-produced bedroom farce, Up in Mabel’s Room. She left the cast in March 1922 and was replaced by Belle Bennett. The characters and cast from the Broadway production are listed below:

• Gloria Graham: Played by Hazel Dawn (initially) and then Belle Bennett
• Wally Deane: Played by an actor not specified in the text

The Controversy and Censorship

Hopwood’s completion of The Demi-Virgin coincided with a scandal involving Fatty Arbuckle, who was accused of manslaughter after the death of Virginia Rappe. Hopwood incorporated references to Arbuckle into the first produced version but later toned down these references due to audience reaction.

The Legal Hearing

On November 3, 1921, Woods and Hopwood were called to a hearing about the play at the New York City magistrates’ court. A formal hearing began on November 7, where Max Steuer represented them. Witnesses testified that the play was obscene, leading Chief Magistrate William McAdoo to deem it so. However, a grand jury dismissed the case in December 1921.

The Play’s Success and Legacy

Despite its controversial nature, The Demi-Virgin became a box office success due to Woods’ clever marketing strategies. News coverage of legal actions provided free publicity, increasing weekly revenue to $17,000. However, the play had no lasting literary significance and was eventually deemed too unsophisticated for Broadway a decade after its initial production.

The Impact on Censorship

The controversy surrounding The Demi-Virgin led to renewed debates about censorship, influencing the creation of citizen-led ‘play juries’ as a compromise between producers and city officials. These juries proved unwilling to take strong anti-obscenity action; by 1927, the system was abandoned in favor of renewed government regulation efforts.

So, there you have it—the story of The Demi-Virgin, a play that dared to explore the complexities of human relationships and desire. It’s a tale that continues to fascinate us with its boldness and the controversies it sparked. Whether you view it as a daring exploration or a cautionary tale, one thing is clear: The Demi-Virgin remains an intriguing chapter in the history of theater.