The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-02-29
Or. BIRDS FAMOUS TRAGEDY.
How "The Gladiator" Came to Be
Written.

The great tragedy, 1.-The Gladiator" in
which the handsome tragedian, Robert
Downing has met with such success as Spar
tacus. was made famous through the his
trionic ability of the immortal Edwin For
rest. About 1885 when Forrest was in his
prime and the idol of American theatre
goers, he felt he needed play better suited
to his robust, vigorous style than any pre-
scented in the standard dramas of the legiti-
mate repertoire. When it became known
that he desired play of this character the
most famous playwrights of Europe sought
to supply the wants of the actor while many
American authors also attempted to idealize
a character suited to the great tragedian's
peculiar style. In all SO plays were present
ed for the inspection of himself and the
committee of learned friends whom he
selected for the ardous task of SUPERVISING
this vast array Of dramatic literature.
Among the plays presented was one which
at once caught Forests fancy. Its title was
'The Gladiator" and the author, DIR. Mont
gomery Bird, well known Philadelphia.
Perhaps the fact that the author was an
American also had considerable to do with
his selection of the drama, for Forrest was a
man who took advantage Of every opportuni-
ty offered in assisting American talent.
However 1.-THE Gladiator was sell cted and
it certainly proved a judicious selection.
As Spartacus the tragedlan nnqueSti0nably
made the hit OF his life. and he presented the
happy author with $1,000 in appreciation Of
his gratitude. Forrest became infatuated
with the character, so much so 1t was said
that ne often declared no one else should
ever appear in it, and that when he died the
play should be buried with him. Among
FORESTS support was talented young actor
named John Mccullough who afterwards
became one of Americas most popular ac-
tors. Forrest took great interest in Nc
Cullough, giving him every possible opportu-
nifty for advancement. lie even left to him
in his will his cherished play The Gladia-
tor" in which Mccullough had 50 often APP
peared with him.
After FORESTS death Mccullough stepped
forward and took up the mantle of his Illus
trious benefaetor and appeared as Spartacus
with much success. twill be remembered
by Portland theatre goers that it was the
last character in which he appeared in this
city, and it Is also q lamentable fact that as
Spartacus he made his last appearance be-
fore the. public. After McCullough's death
s the play WAS r bought OssnD from Ma his
one of the best known of our American
managers, Mr.. Mack, brought out the TRACE
dy in the shape of grand production, such
as had never been given IT before. 1t was
produced on Il scale of magnificence parallel
ing the memorable productions of Henry
Irving. For the difficult role of Spartacus,
Mr.. Mack selected the handsome young ira
gedian, Robert Downing, who had for the
past three Years been leading support to
Mary Anderson. His success was instanta-
neous, and his engagements at the Star
Theatre, New York, and the Boston Thea
tie, Boston. proved among the most notable
engagements yet seen in those theatres. The
idea of Manager Mack in producing 1.-The
Gladiator" in the manner he has done, is
one that could be emulated by other mana
gers of tragic stars with great benefit to
themselves. The public appreciates it. What
the theatre-goers want today is realism in
aud this is where the production of The
Gladiator has proved SO successful Mr..
Downing's engagement in this city is autlci-
pated with pleasure.