The Infamous Soothing System of Professor Maillard is based on Edgar Allan Poe's short story, "The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether." It is excellent entertainment and a superb contest play for all groups. The play has humor and comedy—a rarity for Poe. It also has Poe's intriguing air of mystery and imagination and the threatening cloud of horror. Professor Maillard, famous for his human method of treating the insane, has not been heard from for some time.

The play begins when the Hero of the story decides to visit the private sanitarium operated by the renowned Professor Maillard. The Professor is famous for his method of treating the insane, a method widely known as "The Soothing System." The Hero enters the establishment just as a grand party given by the doctor is about to begin. What happens during the party, the Professor's explanation of his Soothing System, and the activities of the unusual characters are both comical and frightening—with an ending that may come as a surprise.

Subtlety is the keynote of the play. The movements and activities of the guests must be subtle enough so that the audience will suspect that they are insane, but not be sure until the end. At the beginning of the play the characters act normal, with just the barest hint that all may not be as it seems. Poe's story and this play are carefully constructed to reveal more and more of the eccentric personalities of the characters as the play develops to its mad conclusion. All the roles may be performed by either men or women—of virtually any age. In fact, this script was developed by an all-female cast in a theatre workshop at Mount Carmel Academy, an all-girls school in Louisiana. It can be done by an all-male cast as well. The cast may be enlarged by adding more party guests.

This play has a timelessness; it could happen anywhere, any time. The few modern allusions (e.g., Marlboro cigarettes) are balanced by the faint aroma of sachet, old lace, and superficial gentility. Consequently, costumes may be modern or period. Groups wanting a costume play may drop the few modern allusions and expressions and set the play in the ninteenth century, as Poe's story was. The costumes, like the action, may subtly hint at the oddness of the characters. Perhaps some of the costumes don't fit properly. In other cases, the pieces may not quite match. Outlandish costumes (like farcical action) are not recommended. Professor Maillard is a distinguished-looking man, formally dressed—the essence of calmness and civility. The Hero's costume should contrast with the others—perhaps he wears jeans or a hiking costume. The Young Lady removes some of her clothes (just how much she removes depends on community standards); her costume must be designed accordingly.

Another Marcell play: The Middle of Nowhere

See also: The Fall of the House of Usher, Poe! Poe! Poe!