George M. Cohan wrote, produced (with Sam H. Harris), and starred in this four-act comedy that opened on 23 September 1912 for 176 performances. As Jackson Jones, Cohan appeared with his parents, Jerry and Helen Cohan, in the tale of a wastrel living off a widow. Jones unexpectedly inherits a chewing-gum factory and a large fortune from his grandfather, a windfall he promptly squanders in New York City. Calling himself "Broadway" Jones, he returns to Jonestown, Ohio, aiming to close down his grandfather's factory to realize some ready cash. However, Josie Richards, a bright young secretary, informs him that the community's entire economy depends on the factory. Jones is attracted to Josie and shamed by the example of her compassion for the local citizenry, so he resolves to take responsibility for the company and stay in Ohio, even though he loves the bright lights of Broadway. Cohan made a rare motion picture appearance in the 1917 Famous Players screen version of Broadway Jones.
The Historical Dictionary of the American Theater. James Fisher.