The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-06-30

the Frawley Company during its present
engagement "the old man" can be an even
more fruitful source of trouble than the
much-ridiculed and hackneyed mother-in-
law
1.-THE Two Escutcheons," played some
weeks ago, contained two fathers-in-law
on the rampage. His Wifes Father
which was produced last night, centered
round one, but he was a host in himself
and managed to keep things brisk and
lively from the opening of the first act to
the end of the fourth.
Miss Martha Morton, who wrote the
play, confesses to having taken the cen.
trail theme from the German, but she has
succeeded in giving it considerable American
local coloring.
The plot is little more than category of the
woes endured by Frank Hamilton and his
bride, Nell, from the otticious affection of
NelPs father. The story of their troubles, in
spite of its simplicity, is so naturally and
humorously told, however, that it is more eff
fectiye than many comedies with more preten-
tious plots.
The scene opens on the young peoples we'd
ding day, where Buchanan Billings astonishes
his son-in-law-elect by turning his business
over to him and announcing that henceforth
he intends to devote his entire life to making
his daughter happy. The joy of this news is
EN- DlttereQ Dy the IuTIIer announcement mat
there is to be no wedding tour, as he does not
wish to let his Nell go away with strange
man, but that in few weeks he himself will
take the bride and groom on a trip to Califor-
MIA
The young people outwit him, however, and
steal away after the ceremony leaving him,
as he pathetically expresses it, "an orphaned
In the second act Billings has become simply
unbearable. His unfortunate children live
with him. and having no occupation he de-
xyAta h poca n nal hor =
such disastrous results that even the cook
rises in rebellion and leaves on the spot, as
protest against the fond parent meddling in
the domestic economy of the kitchen.
Frank Hamilton and Nell escape to little
fiat OF their own, but Billings follows them,
and it is only when he has caused real es-
arrangement between his Nell and her husband
that Billings becomes chastened and resolves
to obtrude his presence less upon his daughter
and son-in-law.
Harry Carson Clarke gave a very amusing
Interpretation to the role OF the selfish, blum
dering, fond father.
At first he showed some tendency to rag
geration, but as the play progressed and his
role grew more one of tribulation he toned
down his superiuous energy and gave care
full character study of the father-in-law
Frank Worthing was natural as Hamilton, the
unfortunate son-in-law. Miss Bates, who
pls yed the role of Nell returned to her gush-
ing, spasmodinc style, which is effective in
some parts, but which pals upon audience
when seen too often and in too many parts.
AS the slavey last week Miss Bates showed
that she is versatile enough to throw off her
mannerisms when she chooses, and it is pity
that she retains quite so many of them as Nell.
Tyrone Power gave clever anG careful in
depreciation of the part of poor but arrogant
relation. George Leslie was trff1e less George
Leslie than usual as Ferdinand Langdon, the
whisky drummer with social aspirations, ana
the same may be said OF Miss Phosa McAllister
as the aun t-in-law.
Miss Madge Carr Cook was bright and pleas
ing as the widow who consoled the father-in-
law, Miss Lansing Rowan acted her part grace
fully, and Miss Hope Ross was, as usual, g
charming ingenue.