Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1885-10-16
A GREAT DRAMATIC SUCCESS.
Grismer,s Adaptation of ssCalled
Back, enthusiastically KIe.
ceived in Salt Lake.

1t was the pen of bold playwright
/ that undertook the dramatization of such
weird and fantastic novel as "Called
Back - bold, and yet timid withal, for
none could understand better than the
dramatic adapter the working of the
subtle points to the situations and eli
makes upon which the success and popu-
larity of the piece must surely stand. Not
ali successful novels have been success
full dramas, the one not always possessing
the requirements of the other; but in
"Called Back" Conway's dark story has
furnished the dramatist with such an abb
sorbing theme-with such deep touches
of nature here and there-that the heart
quickens, the pulses throb with sympa-
thy; and few men, and still fewer women,
can resist the almost indescribable charm
of the play.
The dramatization of Mr. Jos. Grismer
can only be described as clever, skillful,
and stronger in all respects than any
other stage adaptation, bringing out with
such force and perspicuity the points of
the novel, that the interest is thrilling
throughout, and creating such intense
feeling in the auditors that we may read
lily recognize the remark of one writer,
who declares that had Conway lived he
would have given to the world such nov
els as would have driven its women mad.
1t may be fancy, but there seems to be
touch OF Lytton's Strange Story" per-
vading the Notwithstanding some of
the strange, mysterious wonders of
psychology which Bulwer loved to dwell
upon-and Mr.. Grismer has used it
admirably. The packed house at the
Salt Lake Theatre last night was an as
surance of it, and he may well regard his
wonderful success here as almost phe-
nominal, for the Baldwin company,
though very able one, will never be
able to win in any other piece the APP
plause and good will won last night in
"Called Back"
OF Mr.. Grismer it may be said that he
is cultured actor, fully equal to the re-
quirements Of Gilbert Vaughn, without
any of the buzz-saw emotion which goes
SO Tar to spoil SO many OF our dramatic
aspirants. The winning voice and trim
figure of Phoebe Davis enlisted the SYM
pathies of all, and though not powerful,
she has many of the attractive qualities
OF great actress. But if we were
to name one actor of the piece
more than another it would be
Mr.. George Webster, in the role
of Macari. No finer artist than he has
been seen upon our boards for many
long day, and with the capabilities of an
excellent actor he has united thorough
study and conception of the author. No
greater evidence of this was needed than
when the galleries Kissed and hooted him
for the manner in which he portrayed the
black-hearted villain in the scene where
he declares himself to Vaughn as the
brother of Pauline.
DIR. Generi, in the hands of Chas. Ed
monds, is strong cast, and when in the
Siberia scene he showed such strength
and feeling the audience willingly show
cred their plaudits upon him. The comedy
OF the piece is amply supported bv
MIR. Brady and Misses Stevens and Con-
nor, who are fully adequate to the
humor OF their respective parts, and sue
coed excellently in their endeavors to
blend the light with the darker side of
the story.
Called Back" is without doubt the
finest dramatic treat the Salt Lakers
have had for some time, and if the DEM
ocRAT may enter the lists of the prophets,
it will predict one of the largest matinees
tomorrow afternoon that has evea at
tended the Salt Lake Theatre.