The Second Man: A Comedy in Three Acts

by S.N. Behrman

One of the most brilliant and successful of Theatre Guild productions. It has to do with Clark Storey, novelist, with whom two women are in love. He is determined to marry one of them, and though attracted to the other, he throws her over. The second woman then accuses him of playing her false. The play is essentially a brilliant comedy and is treated in a clever and sophisticated fashion.

Casting: 2m, 2F

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1927

About the author

Samuel Nathaniel Behrman was an American playwright, screenwriter, biographer, and longtime writer for The New Yorker. His son is the composer David Behrman.

Reviews

[Hiromi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two couples, engaged to each other and yet all uncertain about their relationship.

Clark Storey is a writer, 30yo, with a heart of a 20yo. He plans to marry Mrs. Kendall Frayne, a woman of 35yo with dignity and elegance in everything she does. Storey seems to marry her mainly for her money, which Kendall willingly support him with.

Austin Lowe, a scientist, is madly in love with Monica Grey, a young 22yo. But Monica is in love with Storey.

One night, Storey leaves Austin and Monica alone in his house to have dinner together, hoping to bring them closer together. Although Monica agrees to marry Austin, Monica comes back alone to Storey after she's left the house once. Storey ends up telling her he actually loves her as well.

Later that night, all four gathers again late to go out partying. But Monica, in hopes of getting Storey for good, lies that she's pregnant with his baby.

Austin comes and tries to kill Storey the next day with a gun. His shot nearly misses, and coming to senses, he sleeps in his bedroom. Kendall decides to leave to Europe due to the shocking news. Monica pushes Storey to be committed to her, but he says "the second man" whispers all the realistic reasons why that wouldn't be a good idea. In the end he is convinced to be with Monica, at which point, she falls out of love with him.

In the end, Monica gets together for good with Austin, and Storey with Kendall.

Supposed to be a comedy but can't really find the humor in this..

[Nicolas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed act one. Clark's attempts to marry the wealthy Mrs. Frayne and fix up his young crush and nerdy best friend were a great set-up. Unfortunately the second and third acts become increasingly melodramatic and frustrating. I'll pass.