Word: parpalaid
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Jack E. Fishburn ’08 also delivers a reliably good performance as the original doctor in town, Dr. Parpalaid, who sells his practice to Dr. Knock. In his rumpled state, Parpalaid seems at first a conventional bumbling, foppish Old Boy, but comes to take on dramatic importance as a symbol of the traditional, pre-Knock way of life. Fishburn’s ability to command a scene works well for him here: his authoritative joviality makes him a convincingly comic, seemingly harmless persona at first, but allows him to also assume the role of a compelling dramatic character...
...whole, the actors who play the townspeople of San Maurice excel in their presentation of distinct personalities who all become increasingly receptive to the methods of Dr. Knock. Lillian Ritchie ’08 is especially noteworthy as Madame Parpalaid; although her role is limited, Ritchie demonstrates just the right combination of simpering and petulance for the role...
Simon J. Williams ’09 also proves himself a strong new talent to watch as Mr. Mosquet; he has a fine comic touch as a beleaguered pharmacist with a grudge against Parpalaid who eventually becomes Dr. Knock’s first disciple. Laurel T. Holland ’06 performs also well as the “Lady in Violet,” an ingenuous rich actress who is easily convinced of her need for Dr. Knock’s restorative talents. She brings a delightful flippancy and self-awareness to her role...
...Then Parpalaid, disillusioned with city life, returns only to find his favorite hangout, the village hotel, now turned into a bustling hospital. Parpalaid begs Knock to reveal his secret, which is what the charlatan terms the "science of medicine." Romains is deadly serious in his concern with modern man's susceptibility to pseudo-scientific worship, and Knock's final manipulations of Parpalaid result in an ironic and completely unsentimental ending...
...first act, though awkwardly staged around an automobile resembling a behemoth bathtub, was saved by the amusing inefficiency of the duffer Parpalaid (played by Sobert Dargie) and the witty, if sometimes forced, interpretation of his hayseed wife played by Priscilla Foley...