New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-04-02


| he goes for a policeman. Meantime, Tower Tood,
| who, it happens, conducts the pawnsbop under On
anonymous title finding the ring pawned in Mrs.
by ts having once before been in his possession goes
and accuses Mrs. Beetle of having stolen and pawned
it. That estimable LADY, on being shown the ticket,
concludes that her husband is the pawner and that ne
has stolen il from Lady Blanche. Enraged at the un-
warrantabe use of her name, she resolves TO expose
| him, and she goes for policeman. or course now
comes the explanation which is easily brought about
the mystery is cleared up all the parents pardon every
body, and the play ends. -.
The complications about the ring admirably man
aged and the whole plot is exceedingly ingenious the
invovemens being very natural and perfectly clear to
the audience while all the parties concerned are in
state of the most nscrutabe mystery about It, Saving
tendency to takness in the first two acts the play is
good one, and needs slight changes. As soon as the
underplo begins to be developed and Beetle begins TO
be involved in the complexities of the scene, so to
give Mr.. Clarke opportunity to act, the piece goes
with rush.
The play was better acted throughout than any play
has been at this theater ths Winter and with one or
two slight exceptions was as well cast as any comedy
need TO be.
The character Of Brettle, though intended to hold
subordinate position in the plot is brought out by the
power of Mr.. Clarke to the position of frstclass
part. Though the character by no means brings out
the full strength Of the actor, it has salient points
enough to show that be an artist Of the very first Or
der of talent. In his style he is in some respects like
Joseph Jefferson though he differs from that admirable
actor in possessing more righteousness and breadth His
hurnor is genuine, with nothing that tends in
the least TO unnatural exaggeration; he is al
ways true and natural, and therefore excellent.
His leading characteristic quiet Intensity or pecu-
liar power Of working up an emotion to the highest
pitch without appearing to exert himself. He never
seems to put forth his whole strength, but he always
gives the impression of having a certain reserve Of
power and it is this peculiar consciousness Of strength
that makes bis efforts appear efforts and all his act
ing seem quiet and easy Hsace has the most wonderful
power of expression and bis legs and arms; and fin
gers all act unconsciously to him. His byplay is sd
mirable always quiet and interfering with the
business of the scene but always effective In fact,
Mr.. Clarke, despite the of first appear
ance, did enough prove to the audience that in him
we have the greatest comedy acquisition that our stage
has known for many year.
The other characters in the play were well sustained,
Mr. Barton Hill being very good "Rushton, while
Messrs. johnson, NARROW, and George stOddsrt
all good in characters that are somewhat conventional
and demand no special individuality of excellence.
Miss Ada Clifton, who played Lady Blanche Rush
ton" neyerooked BETTER and never ayedso well. She
gave the varying moods and empers of the young and
bride with a vgor, force, and natur
alness that we have seldom equaled Comedy is |
most certainly the true line Of this actress and if she
always enact the comedy fine ladies as admirably as
she did last night, she can take place among leading
actresses, second to
Mrs. Chanfrsu played the part of Mrs. Beetle with
much discrimination and excellence. ..
In the farce of Turning the Tables, as Jack Hum.
phres Dir. Clarke gave the audience specimen of his
powers in another direction, the hard low comedy and
won new aures, keeping the house in roar of laugh
ter all the time
After the second act of the comedy, Mr. Clarke was
called before the curtain compliment that is seldom
paid any actor in this style of play On the whole
il was "A triumphant success, and New-York may fehei-
itself having rescued from the provincial boards
actor who is abundantly worth the saving, and who
will prove Of the most shining Lights of the metro
pOlitan stage.