The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-10-17
The "IIniaue, Kendala


When Mr.. and Mrs. Kendall were In this
country two years ago they were very
kindly received by the press and the pub
lic They are very fair, though by no
means great, actors, and they appeared
mainly in society plays of rather pleas
Ing sort. People flocked to see them, and
they went away, according to a well-sup-
ported rumor. with 100000 as net gains in
their pockets. 1t was solemnly announced
that they would not return. although they
loved America. because they were about to
retire from the stage and enjoy the de-
lights of domestic life undisturbed. Long
experience has taught Americans just what
this means in the case of most actors, but
the Kendals had posed as such domestic
paragons. and in particular were so anx-
ious to impress the public with their ire
mendous social responsibility and impor-
lance. that a considerable number of peo-
pie really believed they meant what they
said. and actually intended to settle down
and devote themselves to their babies and
society Some who had by the end of the
season grown a little tired of the Kendall
pretensions to being socially and NOR
ally a little better than other ac-
tors and actresses, and who were
not enthusiastic admirers OF their
histrionic Abilities were free to say that it
did not matter in the least whether they
came back or not. But American dollars
were too great a temptation, and they are in
New York again with play with which they
expected to win much fame and wealth,
but which has proved displeasing to the
public and the critics. 1.-The Second Mrs
Tanqueray' is not the clean and proper
sort of play which gained plaudits for the
pair before. Mrs Tanqueray is an adven-
turess who has led an immoral and vicious
life up to the time Of a marriage, and,
though brought by that event into high So
cial circles, still longs for her wicked past.
The play Is said to be an exact representa-
ton OF events often occurring in the En-
glish smart" set, but is foreign to Amer
lean ideas and conditions, and is objected
to on that ground Mrs Kendall is said to
make the character of Mrs. Tanqueray
more depraved than is needful, and Is
sharply criticised for so doing. The crit
icisms have made the Madame very angry,
and she retorts by saying that Americans
are crude and do not understand such mat
ters. Moreover, she knows her conception
of the part is correct because she knows
two Mrs. Tanquerays. They are not very
intimate friends, but in my social circle,
and 1 meet them wherever l CO." Having
condescended to this much of defense she
has withdrawn into her shell of exclusive
ness and declines to receive newspaper in
reviewers or reporters, on the ground that
she does not associate with members of
their profession. To one who was shown
into her presence she said: THE Kendals
are unique We have nothing whatever to
do with that class. I am a lady in private
society. Our position in the professional
world Is unique" To the audacious in
quiry if Mrs. Tanqueray moved in that pri-
vate society she deigned no answer.
According to present prospects the Ken
dals are likely to have an experience
which, compared with their former one
they will also be likely to consider unique
The "lady In private life" has already lost
her professional temper, and is in danger OF
not finding 1t again