Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-12-04
RAGLAN'S WAY.
A Fine Actor with An E1cpllen. Company and
Pinv-1ha Matinee.

ithF- ! H. T't'IHtF.
The play, with the above title, Is as q
whole quite strong, and deserves the
success 1t has achieved IN the larger
cities during its production for the past
two seasous OF. It's kind in the legitimate
1 may rank to degree with jim the
Peumuu and a Possible Case, though not
possessing the body OF those dramas. The
action IN RaGlan's Way is very in
tense, md carries out ms the leading idea
the motto of the Hagland Fast
friend. fast foe - In this respect par
haps is it, principal merit, Us the dra-
matfo incident emphasizes the words ,
and is often silently expressive. How
ever, there are places where the author
has not sufficiently studied ont the fun
consistency OF the situation, aud sacrI-
fees nature TO startling effect.
The chief role OF Guy Ragland is some
times more cohesive than his urround-
ings, nud while the main features de-
velop good character weaknesses exist
which come near being serious defects.
Mr.. Arden 10y his forces rescues the part
IN many places. lie has an admirable
face and figure, which derives
great assistance from powerful
voice ana unusually nice elocu
tiou. With the exception OF Occasiona!
.ndistirctnrss, which may have been due
10 IL cold, his voca! play, gesticuIa ton
aud gttiiu IS hesPeak much. Ii Is re-
freshing II note an actor who OK
hibits vote, culture ana CLASH
cal rendition OF melOdra-
matte character, nud does not
leave everyth to a little clever stage
business. In the lutter portion OF the
play the reserve strength of the actor
snme cut spiendidiy. The deep emotion
Of the third act was u severe test, the
audience being held spellbound;
ana At the fail of the cur
IaIu there was y responsive
outbnrst OF applause. Few can imagine
the cali on the mental ard physical en-
durnnce OF one going through such an
ordeal, ana then, with comparatively
hrief IntermissIOn, to continue the same
extraordinary eSertion To modified eX-
tent in the fourth act TO the climax. Mir
Arden promises TO reach II high place in
a great, though not well understood pro-
fession.
Mr. c. {. Craig, who won distinction
rs the original ''Spider, the heavy
villain in the celebrated "Cattle King, -
which had snch long run as first pro-
duced, was the false friend, Ivan Robe
Ion. This gentleman in presence and
clever representations adds 10 the at
Effectiveness Of the performance, and is
10 doubt capable OF still stronger Work
IN similar cast.
Hiss Wyatt, who represented Marcia,
has sustained important roles in the
East; and last evening threw much earn
estness and effect into heT part, the I'M
happy wife OF Guy. Miss Arnold,
rs vivian, was a realistically treacherous
sister. Miss Wallis made "Tippy - the
American girl, II tritle too mechanical,
though otherwise pleasing little woman.
The company as TO the remainder was
not inferior. The stage setting aud
properties were good.
The same piece will occupy the boards
at the matinee to-day and in the even
ing. The audience was of an intelligent
md appreciativR kind, and no doubt the
house 1T The next two performances will
be lnrger.
The curtain is advertised to, and does,
rise promptly few minutes after
6 O'Clock at night, and strag-
Elers should either try 10
be punctua! or considerably wait until
after the close OF the first act TO find
their seats. Tie early and prompt rising
of the curtain is TO be commended.