The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-01-04
WESTERN CRITICISM.
Edwin Forrest in Indianapolis.

After the Morgan raid there nothing equal to
guished actor was heralded by all sorts Of bogra-
phical notices. embracing particulars OF his birth,
education ap courtshlp, with delectable account
of his unfortunate venture In matrimonial way,
and of his persistent character, shown in with
holding almony from the partner OF his shipwrecked
joys. IL was not that he liked m0neybut from prin-
ciple-despsing her.
The genius Of Mr.. Forrest has stood the test of
Western audience, and this is the highest praise 1t
is much easier 10 be.n comparative actor than to
realize the ideal OF one familiar with the drama but
unaccustomed to its representation on the stage
''Hamlet" Ia Shakespeare'S embodiment OF q bldse
youth, and thus 1nds sympathy with the men and
women OF natural ability and generous impulses,
who, in the easy course OF folly and vice. are forced
to admit themselves failures. clear" is the easy
parent who, from time immemorial, reverses the
order Of nature, and depends upon his children.
for its resistance to oppression and love OF home
and family 1t is remarkable, too for the sef-denal
OF Spartacus In suppressng his passion for his fair
captive. Men are not given to such acts. They
generally consider temptation SUFFICIENT excuse.
Mr. Forrest in the death scene is better and more
natural than any living actor. In most there
is prolonged agony Which inclnes one to come in
to the rescue This Is sudden and terrible-wounded
the presence OF royalty-blind to all earthly sense
and power, with visions OF native hills, running
streams, wife and children, gaddenng his soul
The sinie sIperfect and the expression OF his face
beautiful, as falling on one arm he breathes in
broken gasps, and with one long, heavy breath gives
Mr. Forrest has been called extravaganza but ex-
passion is never mild and TO portray faith
Mr.. Forests acting that was quite as enjoyable as
the display OF passion. 1t was second only TO having
a comfortable rampage oneself.
Now Mr.. Forrest comes again, and in view OF the
empty stalls new theatre, and strange faces, must
feel good deal like Grip Van Winkle" when he
asked, SIS anybody alive here?"
Joseph Jefferson can bear witness that there are
plenty OF people alive in and about Indianapolis and
Il is evident that Mr. Forrest is very unfortunate In
coming upon the heels OF that most natural actor In
the world.
It is scarcely fair either, to make comparison be-
tween them, for neither one could play the others
would be only less absurd than Jefferson as 'yir-
ginus."
IL is not that Mr.. Forrest is old; he is only old
fashioned. He belongs to the old school or art
general rendition OF q favolite play. Whatever may
be said against him, the pertinent question Is when
shall we see his like again.
We have often been favored with exhibitions OF
tion OF genius which takes rank along with the act
ing OF Rist0, and the music OF Thalberg and Brig
noL There was something in the manner OF the
last not unlike Forrest, making allowance for the
OF art II seemed indeed, II they could not help
their matchless skill any more than the skylark, or
the sea- its melody. The pity is that such man as
Forrest should ever grow old. What he must have
rent in the hair and face which still ne, but .he
neck is very gross, and form corpulent to fault.
The arm is still shapely but the legs are thin and
distressingly nfirm The legs indicate readings In
future. Readings would be more satisfactory at any
rate.
Mr.. Forrest is so much above the ordinary line OF
stock actors that he cannot be said TO have any sup
port. What with the superiority and the fright he
inspires he stands 30 much alone, as IL the stage
were deserted. The presence OF any one besides Is
only an aQgrAvation. One can imagine the pleasure
10 would be TO hear him make sense OF q whole
play Indianapolis Journal.