Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-09-18
AMUSEM ENTS.

end of the stick in fruit-growing.
ADJUSTMENTS.
'sJim. the Penman," at the Grand
Last Night.
AS was to be expected the Grand was
filed to the doors last hight by a most
intelligent and appreciatiye audience to
see Mr.. A. M. Palmer's great company
from the Madison Squarr Theatre, New
York, in Sir Charles Young's modern
drama, Jim, the Pennun. 1t is the
strangest ct anomalies that person not
connected intimately with the stage, and
who has never achieved greatness in the
dramatic line, should write a play so
perfect as Jim, the Penmdn. The
story is excellently conceived and
admirably wrought out The story is
quite within the range of the possible.
Lives like that of James Ralston are far
from unknown. He moves in the most
respectable society, he is the husband OF
the purest of wives, the father of the
most interesting of families. Such is his
life in one OF its phases In the other he
is one of a gang of thieves, forgers and
burglars. He lives his dual life I'M
suspected by the better side of the world
in which he moves. His own wife does
not know of his kn avishness. He robs
the friend of his early life of his
wife and afterwards of his fortune by
means of his fatal gift of initiating hand
writing. He is member of gang of
systematic robbers. They force him to
rob his son-in-law of the Jewels his own
daughter is to wear at her marriage. He
is at last entrapped and proven guilty.
But just as the sly and skillful detectives
are about to seize him the hand of Provi-
dence steps in and executes judgment in
stroke of heart disease, which spares his
children from the effects Of their fathers
sin. This is the only trace of poetic
justice in the play, which is full Of sensa-
tlonal turns. In all other respects mex
orable fate demands retribution at the
hands OF the wrong doer. AS a foil OF
perfect blackness to set off the little re-
deeming traits of goodness left Jim, the
Penman ia his partner, The Baron Hart
field who is all bad.
So much for the play. Now for the
cast. 1t is strong to the point OF having
no flaw in it. 'James Ralston"
or Jim, the Penman is excel
lently played by Mr.. Frederick Rob-
ertson. He handles difficult part
in an artistic and mastery manner. The
part of 'Baron Hartfeld" is most exquis-
itely done by Mr.. Alexander Salvini
The coolness, the false gloss of the pre-
tended man of fashion, tie obduracy of
the hardened villain, are all charmingly
portrayed by this finished actor. Not less
so is the part OF Captain Redwood" in
the hands of Mr.. E. M. Holland. He
assumes the part of brainless dude
and fob in order to carry out the
plans of skilled and shrewd detective.
Ludicrous is each simulated faur pas,
by which he carries on his deep and sue
cessful observations. A more artistic bit
of deception was never done. Walden
Ramsey is polished "Lord Drelin-
court" Harry Woodruff plays the part of
Jack Ralston" in charming manner;
as CDR. Pettywise" Mr.. Fletcher de-
velops fine vein of art, and as "Mr.
Wetherby, M. P.," Harry Holiday does
an exquisite bit of elegant comedy. Louis
Massen is a manly, fine specimen of
humanity in, the character of "Louis
Periant," magnanimous, brave and man.
ly, he looks and acts the part to perfec-
ton.
May Brooklyn, as a doubly duped
sweetheart and wife, presents fine stage
presence and acts an exigent role with
much power, sympathy and expression.
Miss Lipman, as Agnes" is full of en-
chanting naiyete which is very captivat-
ing, and Kate Mallory does the rather
light role of "Mrs. Chopston" with dis
discretion.
Mrs. E. J. Phillips as "Lady Duns.
combe" developed all her art. There
was not point missing. In tone of
voice, movement of her person, and all
the intangible, inexpressible manner of
the high-bred lady, she seemed to the
manor born.
For tonight the play is Henry Arthur
Jones' Saints and Sinners. 1t is the best
thing from the pen OF this author, and is
the least of all his productions, like
the others. The cast will include
Mr.. Stoddart as Minister Jacob Fletch-
err" the best bit of art of its sort on
the stage to-day. Mr.. Clarence Handy
sides, not unknown to Los Angeles play
goers, will also appear. Then there is
pretty Marie Burroughs, with her emo
tional face and sympathetic tones,
which will touch the stoutest heart in
the house.