The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-12-14
AT THE THEATERS

BURBANK THEATER.-A large sized audi
ence witnessed the presentation OF c. Had
den Chambers drama, Captain Swift, last
night at the Burbank theater. The play is
in four acts, and from the rising of the
curtain to it's final descent it does not allow
ones interest to flag for an instant. 1t isa
powerful play. 1t is cast in heroic mold
and, while it contains no direct moral. it is
clean. wholesome and healthful. To attain
this end it must not be thought that climax
must be abandoned or thrilling situation
done away with. Both are there, and
without hazardous. questionable, or forced
means, the attention of the listener is held
closely throu hout he entire unfolding OF
the story and down to the fatal shot that
ell the cal eer of the adventurer. char
acter that is assumed by Mr.. I. Daniel
Frawley. Captain Swift portrays, in addi-
ton to the gentlemanly rascal spoken OF,
a woman whose mothers love is beautiful
in its consistency, a Queensland squatter
whose loyalty to friend is unassailable
and unwavering. and light-hearted, inno-
cent and winsome maiden. These, with
country gentleman, an intuitive and some
what explosive son, a butler. detective,
an attractive looking niece and titled
lady comprise the characters of dialogue
and action.
As has been said many times before in
these columns, the Frawley company is
very evenly balanced one. 1t is not above
criticism, but as company 1t possesses
intelligence. good stage presence and his
trionic ability. With such medium OF
Interpretation, Captain Swift cannot help
being acceptable to even critical people.
Mr.. Frawey's assumption of the character
Wilding, the adventurer, is in many points
| excellent. The actors penchant for at
times assuming the immobility of statue,
or cigar sign. is INDUCED in. however, as
it has been in other parts played by him,
and it mars what otherwise might be
fairly finished Interpretation. This pc
culiarity of Mr.. Frawley's is a fad. 1t is
not because he is incapable of doing stage
business, and good stage business at that.
Mr.. Enos as Mr.. Searbrook, the country
gentleman, gave a dignified and natural
parsonage. who, however. has not much to
do or say. Mr.. Maclyn Arbuckle, as the
squatter and loyal friend. is manly in
overdone, perhaps, is the butler of Mr..
King.
Mr.. Bosworth's detective is an ungracious
part. but this is the weakest character seen
in the play, more SO than it should be,
despite the undesirability of the role. AS
Mrs. Seabrook, Miss McAllister has a part
in which abe shines to advantage. AS wife
and mother. she is tender and noble.
Miss Hope Ross, as the daughter, who is
Just budding into womanhood. is charming
to degree. Her manifest innocence,
her entire artlessness, her efferve-
scent spirits and her naivete
make her indeed winsome-a bright,
CHEEKY, joyous girl whom it does one good
to know. Stella, the niece, was played by
Miss Lansing Rowan, who assumed the
part for Miss Blanche Bates, who is ill.
Miss Rowan assumed the character in a
very creditable manner. Miss Belle Ar
cher's Lady Staunton was but a minor
part, which, however, was played accept
ably.
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