The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-21

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Robert Elsmere ..... ..............E H. Vanderfelt
Edwnru Langham. "....,....Jonn i, ouhlvau
Necll Mthless
Albert Wynnstay. Henry Harwood
Mr.. Newcomb. ..........-.......-....W II, Thompson
Dr. II. Arnold
Catherine Elsmere........--.... miss Dorothy Dorr
Rose Loyburn.. Miss Efhe shannon
Lady Charlotte wynnsay Mrs. Kate Denim Wilson
....................Miss Ella Morgan
/ predict the play will be monetary
success, although the audience was small
the evening was one OF it. The applause
was vigorous, even boisterous at times,
and from certain spots, leading me to sus-
pect tho presence of gentlemen hired 70
give hand" on ''small nights" How
ever, the performance was liked and will
certainly be 90 in the country. The
adaptor has not adhered to the novel in
much that is the novels strength. There
are many gaping weaknesses in the cop-
struction OF the play. For instance the
novels very browning consistency is In the
death OF Elsmere, but in the play he is
permitted TO live, contingent upon the re-
turn OF GATHERINGS wifey sympathy.
Then her words ~ will not give up my
old beliefs, but" etc., and her following
action OF floating over the room to him
and encircling his neck with her arms is to
say the least very commonplace ending
and one that leaves the troubling thought,
how is il possible that two souls so refined
and sensitive can afterward live happily
together-dogma the rust OF one and free
thought the polish Of the other2 As played
by Miss Dorr, Catherine throughout seems
a stupidity perverse Creature rather than
the pure, duty full souled woman OF the
novel. Either the adapter or Miss Dorr
has entirely dried up the holy sweetness
Of her character. One feels no sympathy
for the Catherine Of the stage. Her nature
is parched by dogma into cruelty. Finally,
through the persuasions OF Lady Charlotte,
who is made over into aippant tongueds
empty headed, garrulous busybody, whose
advice, no one knowing her would
consider for moment Catherine
realizes love for her husband
stronger than her belief, and 80 ends tho
struggle and saves his life. After leaving
the theater l. pictured to my mind the
after life OF Elsmere and Catherine. How
ut first, under the sweet, warm influence
OF youth they would agree to disagree,
then as years rained down there SHOWS how
great would be the struggle "a. keep loves
fire alight, how inevitably they would
drift apart, and finally slip away into the
|
although i'll, played Elsmere well, with
something OF finish and great favor. Tho
part might have been named otherwise for
all the likeness il Is to the Robert Elsmere
OF the novel. But after all the play Is most
unsatisfactory after one has read the book.
Naturally the fullness Of tho books charac-
ter Is woeiully wanting in that Of the play.
Edward Langham Is by far the best piece
Of character drawing. II is done with
skill, and might well re-ontitle the work.
Furthermore, he Is the Edward Langham
OF the novel. think Mr.. Sullivan has n
much, II not psere 10 do with placing -
part high rs the adapter. Ho Is a fms
actor, refined In his methods and VIII
admirable. Mr.. Newcome, as handled
Mr.. Thompson, Is simply brutal. III
is not one redeeming virtue In the
felt from first 10 last like sweeping
from tho stage. As Mr Ihompso
presents him, he Is nd merely
fanatic, but most rcyoltingl Old demon
utterly given over 10 haire' ana malice
Mrs. Ieyburn and Rose are ffry well POI
trayod aud much like their prototypes z
the novel. Albert WynnstSf Is cleverl
drawn, and is the Albert Wyhnstay OF th,
book. The character Of ca Wanless
wholly gratuitous on theNat OF thu
= adapters, but is pleasing comtl eIcmcn
| in 80 much melodrama. Mr.. Georg'
Backus played the part In a most delight
fol manner. DIR. Edmondson was heart,
! and breezy and likeabe, and Mr.. Arnold
deserves special mention Cor his ability 4
play so small a part 70 well.
Mrs. Ward Is correct. To those WHIT
J have not read the novel the play will Civ
an erroneous impression OF her aim.
NEIL McLEoD KEATISo.