Opening on 4 September 1909 at the Gaiety, this enthusiastically received farce-comedy ran for 345 performances and established John Barrymore as living up to the expectations raised by his name. Intending to marry wealth, the title character falls instead for the daughter of an impoverished druggist. The scene in which he learns his new job as soda fountain clerk allowed some rich comedy. The play pleased audiences for its depiction of small-town wholesomeness and its buoyant American optimism. Winchell Smith, the author, also directed the play.
The Historical Dictionary of the American Theater. James Fisher.