A notable play, by a notable author, presented by a notable cast, came to Boston Monday evening when John Galsworthy's "Justice," was seen at the Plymouth Theatre. Six years ago "Justice" was first presented to the public in London and met with a great success. Now, produced in America, one can only hope that the admirableness of the cast combined with the interest in prison reform, which is just now sweeping the country, will serve to keep this play upon the stage for the long run that it deserves.

The theme is a typical Galsworthy one--"let the strong pity the weak." We have seen it in "The Fugitive" and less clearly, in "The Pigeon." William Falder, a junior law clerk, forges a check to obtain money with which to run off with the woman he loves, who is married to a brute of a husband. His deed is discovered and he is summoned before the court, tried, sentenced, and imprisoned. After three years he is freed again and hunts for a job, followed everywhere by the stigma of his prison term. He finds Ruth Honeywill, the woman he loves, the forced mistress of another man, supporting herself and children in this way. The distrust of the police for a former criminal draws him into the net once more and rather than face such misery and degradation, he ends his life.

The few faults in the play are not particularly obvious except in the unfortunate condition of the scenery in the corridor of the prison. The court room scene is particularly impressive, though much of it should be sacrificed for the sake of brevity and strength.

Mr. John Barrymore, as Falder, reached the highest point he has yet touched in his admirable career. In the scene in his cell, a truly horrible one, he is perhaps seen at his best, for it is a scene requiring rare talent to keep from over-acting. Mr. O. P. Heggie, seen here last as Androcles, excelled as Cokeson in a part which was rather too long drawn out to be highly effective. Miss Nesbitt played the woman, Ruth Honeywill, with just the right touch of sweetness and sorrow.

If you want to see a play for the sake of its general excellence, in structure and in cast, by all means go to "Justice" at the Plymouth. But if you look for something merely amusing, avoid it; for "Justice" is a play which first of all makes you think, and then leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth.