Birmingham state herald., 1896-02-11
MUSICAL. AND DRAMAT lC.
.sThe Girl Left Behind Me"


 It was not a large audience which saw 'The Girl 1 Left Behind Me-" but il was thoroughly interested in very beguiling dramatic story It tells of the attempt of pitifully and painfully cowardly ras- cal, Lieut.. Morton Parlow, to ruin his rival in the affections of Miss Kennon, daughter of the comma nder of the from tier post at which they were stationed.
 Kate Kennion is engaged to Parlow, but he knows that she does not love him, and more than suspects her of loving Lieutenant Wordsworth. Before the close of the first act he discovers that his suspicious are we11-founded In the second act Parlow and Hawksworth are sent upon recOnnoitering expedition, which, through the cowardice of Parlow, results in the death of several troopers. Wordsworth knows the truth but will not make charges against the man who is to marry Kate Kennion. But Parlow so manages that the blame for the dis aster falls upon HawkSworth. He IS about to be tried by court martial when word comes that the post is in danger of an Indian attack; some one must go for help. It Is almost 8 hopeless errand, for the chances are teh to one against the messenger escaping with his life Hawksworth volunteers and Kate places the dispatch bag over his shoulders, at the same time whispering, "I love you" The third and great act Of the play IS
 
 early dawn, the Indians have surrounded the post, and all night their weird songs have been heard. The few score of brave men and women are exhausted and the ammunition is almost gone. barley is held with the Indian chief, who refuses quarter. It Is the Indian custom to attack at sunrise and preparations are made for last struggle. General Kennion and his men will sell their lives as dearly as pos sible. Kate Kennion. knowing the aw- fn1 fo to nf vxynr fa iraf mi Tn6 a n hands, makes her father promise that he will shoot her when all hope Is gone. At the close of the act the Indians have broken through the lines and arc at the gate of the stockade. Kennion prepares to carry out his promise to his daughter. As he raises his pistol the bugle notes of the rescuing corps are heard and the sol diers rush in. Hawksworth has done his duty. In the last act Parlow's villainy and Hawksworth's bravery are brought light, and the curtain falls to the sound of wedding bells.
 The roles of the rivals, Lieutenant Hawksworth'' by MT. Duncan Preston, and Lieutenant Parlow" by MT. F.. G. personated. MT. Stuart's general and Mir. Richardsons Major Burleigh were acceptable. Miss Selene Johnson made the Kate Kennion" quite attractive, just such as ought to inspire young army off, cers to valorous deeds. The other parts were all satisfactorily taken. and con tributed to a smooth presentation Of a pretty play.
 Clara Morris as Raymonde.
 At the opera house Thursday, Febru- ary l3 will witness the first performance in this city of "Raymonde," Clara Mor- ris' great success. It has never been given here before, and is an adaptation from the French play, Monsieur AL phonse." by Dumas It's heroine, Ray monde. is married to a noble sailor, Com mander Montoglin, whom she loves de- voutly. She is a woman with the usual past When young girl she was be- trayed into false marriage with Mon- sieur Octave. and was then cast off by him with her daughter, Adrine. The commander knows nothing of the exist ence of the child. and the play opens with Monsieur Octaves appearance with Adrine, whom he forces Raymonde to receive pending his marriage with Mad anne Guichard, wealthy. but bourgeoise widower. Raymonde Is glad to have her child, and determines to keep it, deceiv- ing the commander. But through the jealousy of Madame Guichard. who sus- poets that Monsieur Octave is father of the child, and demands possession, Ray monde confesses to her husband and is forgiven. Miss Morris in the title role gives splendid portrayal of the woman swayed between love for her husband and her child. Her pathos is of the most refined and delicate style, and never fails to bring tears to the eyes of her audi ence. Pretty Miss Lavfna shannon is revelation as the widow. Madame Gui- chard Her clear ringing tones, her wig orous actions. her dash and go are i'm mensely captivating. Her breeziness gives color and brightness to the play and supplies the comedy element. Little Margery Valentine in the role of the pre- cocious Adrine deserves special mention for her naturalness and sweetness, MT. Colville, who takes the role of the grand husband. Commander Montoglin. who through his supreme love for his wire and his nobility of character adopts her child and gives 1t his name. The de- nouement of the play when Madame Gull chard announces that she has regis tered herself as Adrine's mother, Com mander Montoglm having already taken out papers announcing himself as the father of Adrine, is said to be fine dra- matic climax. In the end Madame Gui- chard learns the true state Of affairs.