National Republican., 1888-01-04
ALLAN DARE"
WHAT ADMIRAL PORTER SAYS ABOUT
THE STORY,
What Mckee Rankin Says About tho
Play.


written. You will understand that the
naval hero is not the author Of the play, but
he wrote the story, and It is. In many re-
spects, remarkable tale.
1.-THE story OF Allan Dare" said the ad-
miral, twas not predesigned literary
effort. In fact, when ! began to write T. ]
would develop into, and you can see that It
was very deliberately told, as It originally
comprised nine volumes OF 100 pages each.
A number Of years ago was passing the
summer at Narragansevt Pier, and one OF
my sons came to me and inquired how /
would begin a novel. Having plenty OF
leisure proceeded to undertake response
tohiiinquiry,and with the delightful and ro-
mantle scenery OF Manchester, ,Nlass.--whefe
j had passed the previous summer-in my
mind began tale located In this charming
spot. As the incidents suggested them
selves ] continued to write, and, with no
real method or purpose In my mind, pur-
sued the narration Of circumstances sug-
gested by the inquiry Of my son as to how
] would construct novel, and In the end
the long story assumed shape, and attained
completeness. assure you It was not my
intention at the outetart to write novel,
and for years kept II In my library. l
wrote 1t TO please my boys, and at length
published IL to please my friends. A short
time ago-after the story had attained
considerable popularity--I was addressed
by party who desired to dramatize IL. To
this gave my consent, and the result Is
the play now being presented by Mr.
Rankin and his company. l have seen tho
production--in New York some time ago
and while the drama does not contain all OF
the strongest incidents In the novel, j can
understand that 1t is an imposslbility to
embody every situation that so voluminous
narrative contains"
met Mr.. Mckee Rankin last evening,
and had long talk with him regarding the
play Of "Allan Dare.n
"Tho play" said Mr.. Rankin, sis the re.
suit OF collaboration on the part OF Mr.
Dinsmore and myself, aud / consider that
there is very Eiuch OF strength aud interest
In It, although It's production In this city
has suffered somewhat from insufficient re-
hearsiDg. As you may have noticed the
element Of dramatic strength pervades the
story, aud the climaxes have been obtained
with all possible consistency. The company
producing II here Is particularly strong
one, and comprises some excellent artists" t"
"Will you continue to play It for the bal
ance Of the season ?n
"That depends. AS you know, my en-
gagement In Washington is limited to a
single week. 1t is many years since have
played here; and, while lively interest has
been manifested In ALLAN Dare,' l have re-.
ceived number Of requests to produce one
or more Of my old staDdbys.n
GLOW about The DanItesp II re rem
ber rightly, that was your last production
in this city.n
I "Yes, the 'Danites' has had wonderful
history, and II was one OF my most success.
/ ful productions"
"And have you shelved II for good?n
mo, indeed. think 1t more than prob
oh 80
| 1t the last Of the week. It's strange what
demand there is to see this play again"
"That is because you identified yourself
SO thoroughly with it."
"Undoubtedly. But the play has staying
| qualities Of a rare character. IL Is always
popular. There is ruggedness about It
and a sustained strength which renders It
always acceptable"
Mr.. Rankin certainly spoke very truly
| regarding his creation Of other days. There
are hundreds In the city would be delighted
| to witness revival of this romance OF the
mountains, and there is no one whom they
| would more cordially welcome In II than
this gifted actor. Mr.. Rankin enjoys
popularity ii this city equaled by
few Of the latterday stars. His nob,s
| figure, handsome ,-f5atlsas, SHa fesonanL
voice have Characterized some Of the ablest
Representations OF theromantic stage. There
are few actors in the country who enjoy the
natural qualifications possessed by Mckee
Rankin. His early stage training was In
that school OF stock companies from which
have been graduated the bone aud slnew OF
the profession, and, In addition to his pro-
fessivnal attainments, Mr.. Rankin is gen.
ueman Of extensive reading and abundant
acquisitions.
ltis to be hoped that we may have au
opportunity TO see him In some role more
thoroughly adapted to his abilities than
that In "Allen Dare" for, while In this
piece he gives us a finished and graceful
performance, We could name characters, In
which we have seen him, that would be
much relished by lovers of the heroic school
OF acting.
In the play OF "Allan Dare" Mr.. Rankin
| sustains the character OF Robert lie Diable,
| otherwise known as "iobert, the Devil.'
1t is character carrying an affected
| French dialect, and exhibiting the graces
| and polish of the accomplished man OF tht
world, while the underlying elements arc
| honeycombed with purposes and designi
| OF the most hazardous crime. The charac
ter is engaging rather than repulsiye; and
| as played by MIR. Rankin, II possesses
charm that Is equally magnetic and original
In the quieter scenes Mr., Rankin is all thai
can be asked of the finished stage gentle
| man; and when the heat OF climax call!
| for strong acting and intense emotion yor
can readily imagine the accomplished lead
ing man is not deficient.
| There was very fashionable audience In
attendance on "Allan Dare" last night, ant
the performance was noticeably smoothe
than on Monday. AS now given It Is
highly enjoyable entertainment. Among
those in the audience last evening wer,
Secretary and Mrs. Whitney, Secretary ant
Mrs. Endlcott, Admiral and Mrs, Porter
Lieut.. Porter, DR.. Ross, Mrs. Barnes, Miss
Tanoney, Capt. Porter, Essex Porter, ant
Mr.. and Mrs. Lester.
A number of the personal aud oflicia
friends Of Admiral Porter have signilet
their intention Of witnessing "Allan Dare
tonight, and there is no doubt but AL
baugh's will contain o large representation
OF the elite OF the national capital.