The Noose

The Noose is a 1926 play in three acts written by Willard Mack. It is a melodrama, with a large cast, fast pacing, and two settings. The story tells of a young man condemned for the murder of a fellow bootlegger, and his refusal to explain why he did it. Produced by Mrs. Henry B. Harris in arrangement with Martin Sempter, and staged by the author, it starred George Nash, Ann Shoemaker, Lester Lonergan, and Rex Cherryman. It ran on Broadway from October 1926 through April 1927. It marked the dramatic debut of Barbara Stanwyck, who had been a dancer in a Broadway musical revue under her birthname of Ruby Stevens. The play had no Broadway revivals, but was adapted for a 1928 silent film of the same name and a 1936 movie called I'd Give My Life. Characters Lead John Bancroft is the Governor of the state. Stella Bancroft is the Governor's wife Nickie Elkins is a young man of uncertain parentage, caught up in a bootlegging gang. Buck Gordon is the head of the bootlegging gang, whose murder Elkins commits. Supporting Bill Chase is a friend of the Governor and attorney for Nickie Elkins. Craig is the Governor's secretary. Hughes is the Warden of the state prison where Nickle Elkins is held. Dave Stern is a song-writing piano player at the Box Stall Night Club. Jack Grattan is an undercover policeman assigned to enforce Prohibition. Dot is a Box Stall Night Club chorus girl, in love with Nickie, who doesn't know. "Come-On" Conley is Buck Gordon's partner in bootlegging. Featured A Waiter works at the Box Stall Night Club. Georgie is a chorus girl at the Box Stall Night Club. Frances is a chorus girl at the Box Stall Night Club. Patsy is a chorus girl at the Box Stall Night Club. Gladys is the lead dancer of the Box Stall Night Club's chorus girls. Tommy Jordan Seth McMillan Miss Devoy Phyllis is a society girl in whom Nickie is interested. Off-Stage Mrs. Anderson is Phyllis' chaperone when visiting the nightclub. Synopsis Act I (Governor Bancroft's official residence, evening) Nickie Elkins has been condemned for the murder of bootlegger Buck Gordon. He offered no defense or explanation for his action, even to his attorney Bill Chase. Chase, with the assistance of Stella Bancroft who is strangely moved by the young man's plight, persuades the Governor to see Elkins. Chase hopes the youthful appearance of his client will move the Governor to pardon him. Craig escorts Warden Hughes and Elkins into the Governor's office.