The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-09
A NEW HAMLET IN JAMES.
That Actors Interpretation of
the Danish Prince Proves
a Revelation.
Notes of Attractions at the Other
Playhouses-0nly Standing Room
at the Columbia,

Louis James portrayal of Hamlet last
night was revelation even to his warmest
admirers. This is the first sc ason he has
played the role, though it is stated that for
years he has been fired with the ambition
to give his own rendition of the Prince of
Denmark.
During that time James has given much
time ana thought to perfecting his own
conception OF the complex character, and
the result, as shown last night, is Ham
let out of the beaten track, and one that,
for artistic intelligence, as we'll as for
finished technical skill, can challenge COM
parison with such Hamlets as those of
Sheridan, Barry Sullivan, Henry Irving,
and even the Hamlet of the great Booth
himself.
With regard to the external makeup of
the part, Louis James affects the blonde
or Scandinavian type. rather than that of
the additionally dark-naired Dane. His
golden locks add to the youthfulness of
his appearance, thereby giving him about
the Princes rlghtful age OF 80 years.
From beginning to end of the tragedy
James portrayal of the Prince of Den
mark was even and effective. In his
speech and action he followed his own di-
rections to the players and never tore a
passion to tatters His enunciation was
ranting, and his gestures helped to heighten
and emphasize the meaning of his words.
James conception Of the part struck
medium between madness and sanity,
which was calculated to send the audience
home as puzzled as TO whether the Prince
of Denmark were mad or feigning as
Shakespeare probably intended students of
the part should ever be.
He never emphasized the insanity as be-
ing mere cloak to discover his uncle's
guilt. At the same time there was a
| method in his madness which gave sym
metry and harmoniousness to his interpre-
tatlon.
In the closet scene James was especially
strong. There was touch of sincerity
and genuine feeling IN his reproaches to
the Queen which proclaimed the true
artist. The play scene also he worked up
to splendidly dramatic climax.
The support was on the whole good.
Miss Alma Kruger was a rather modern
Ophel1a IN the opening scenes but she was
admirably natural and effective in the mad
scene. Harris was good as the King, Guy
Lindsey made an lmpassioned Laertes
and all the other parts were in tisfactory
hands. The scenery was excellent.
Hamlet will be repeated to night.
The Frawley company has been more that
repeating this week at the Columbia Theater
its former success. "The Lost Paradise" is
strong play, and it has evidently pleased the
popular taste, for the sign, standing room
only" has been out at most OF the perform
ances.
There have been so many requests for "The
Senator that it has been decided to make that
play the bill for next week.
Marie Wainwright and her company are
pleasing good-sized audiences at the Baldwin
Theater with the production of Lancaster and
Magnus' t'Daughters OF Eve" The clever lead
ing lady has satisfactory support, which helps
to make the drama success
Next Monday Marie Wainwright will be seen
in Sheridan Knowles old play "The Love
Chase" Camille will be put on at the end
OF the week.
1t is some time since Morosco produced a
play better suited to the scenic capabilities of
the Grand and to the company PLAYING there
than 1.-THE Fugitive, There are strong sftua-
tions in the exciting drama Miss Maud Edna
Hail, and Coulter Brinker being especially sue
cessful in rising to them.
The sparkling comicalities of any Precious
Baby" are affording plenty of amusement for.
the audience at Growers Alcazar this week.
Leonard droVer Jr. has made quite hit as the
BABY, and the rest OF the company are quite
at home in their various roles.
The Orpheum has several strong acts this
week, particularly that of Newell and shevette
on the horizontal bars. The Manhattan Com
eoy Four quartet also does some pleasing
work, and Clifford and Huth, in their dialect
duets, are thoroughly entertaining
The spectacular burleseue "Ixion,'' with its
new specialtles, is still proving popular at
traction at the Tiyoii.