Mollentrave on Women: A comedy in three acts

by Alfred Sutro

"Mollentrave on Women: A Comedy in Three Acts" by Alfred Sutro is a play written in the early 20th century. This comedic narrative revolves around the character Mr. Mollentrave, who engages in a witty exploration of women's complexities. As the title suggests, the central theme touches upon the dynamics of love and relationships, often through humorous interactions among various characters. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Sir Joseph Balsted, a barrister, and several other characters as they engage in lighthearted banter about relationships and societal norms. The scene unfolds in Sir Joseph's study, where Miss Treable, his ward's companion, and Mrs. Martelli, the housekeeper, bicker about the household's dynamics. This dialogue serves to highlight the comedic undertones of social expectations and misunderstandings, which set the stage for Mollentrave's insights on love and the expectations placed on women. In this opening portion, we see the character tensions and how the arrival of Mr. Mollentrave will likely complicate matters of the heart among the cast.