The evening times., 1899-02-28
AT THE THEATRES.
coIumbia-"Joe Hur.t-GentIemnn

Coiumbia-"Joe Hurst-GentIemnn."
There is generally a considerable dis
tance between one extreme and the other
a distance so long that the actor who ira
verses it is often surprised to find that by
a circuitous route he has reached his desti-
nation and his starting point simuItan-
eously. Digby Bell is the latest example Of
this fact and he is a striking one. Some
thing like two seasons ago Mr.. Bell was
seen at the National Theatre in a new
effort by Augustus Thomas, and with il
demonstrated the greatest and most varied
ability. But the piece was too fine and
delicate for public appreciation and eonse-
quently proved losing venture. Accord
ingly. the star procured as his next vehicle
a comedy, entitled Joe Hurst-Gentle-
man." in which he appeared last night at
the Columbia II one work was exceeding
in its charm and quiet the other is as ex-
traordinary in its breadth and blunt lack
of suggestion. The result is likely TO he
that, while THE Hoosier Doctor" was only
a monetary failure its successor will be-
come neither financial nor an artistic sue
cess.
Frances Hodgson Burnett's name IS
printed on the bill of the play as being that
of its authoress. The novelist is also cred
tied with 'Esmeralda." which she wrote
in conjunction with no less a master than
William Gillette. and accused of being re-
sponsible. for "A Lady of Quality" in
which labor Stephen Townsend had a
share Mrs. Burnett has never tried be-
fore to form a dramatic offering without
the assistance of those who know some
thing of the drama and in consequence she
has spoiled a wonderfully beautiful story
by striking her auditors across their faces
with In I0a Hnr=f--C.aUfiaynsrf n
bles a picture OF exquisite theme painted
with blacking brush.
Since people often accomplish more than
they understand many marvellous bits of
pathos and several brilliant flashes OF hu-
| NOR are seen through the general maud
! Unity OF the effort, but these are neither
| as numerous nor as notable as the plot
| would warrant. The piece lacks refine
| ment and grace and subtlety. IL lacks
point and strength and reserve force. The
| characters tell their troubles TO each other
| as do women at church sewing bee and
| consequently gain neither the sympathy
nor the interest of their auditors The eli
makes are roughly builded and the Incl
| dents disconnected-and the tale delight
ful. Joe Hurst-Gentlemsn" with the re-
! markable suggestion and naturalness of
! The Last Chapter would be a dramatic
| gem; Joe Hurst-Gentleman" in its
present form is impossible.
| In the title role Digby Bell labors under
! the disadvantage of handling a character
I, utterly foreign to him. Consummate artist
! and eminent scholar that he is, he man
| ages 10 get a great deal out of his lines
| bat is so inherently a gentleman himself
that he fails to give the rough touches
! needed TO complete his portrayal and tc
add reason to the play. -Four members Of
! the supporting company are meritoriOus-
| Laura Joyce Bell, whose delineation of
| Cockney role is surprising in its excel
| lence; Caroline Keeler, whose emotional
work is Of the highest order: Edward Nc
| Wade who furnishes half the comedy ol
the offering, and Margaret Dale Owen Z
very clever ingenue. Fl. Gittus Lonsdale
| Charles Dibdin Pitt Louise Rial and Al
| bert C. Deltwyn-particulariy the FIRST
| three-are bad beyond description.