The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-19
ADJUSTMENTS.


Julia MarIowe could scarcely have had
greater compliment paid her than the one
which was indicated by last nights re-
markable audience, for the most casual OBJ
server of the manner in which various at
fractions have been patronized at English's
this season must, by this time, be aware
that Indianapolis recognizes only the
greatest of the theatrical stars. But the
audience that witnessed Miss Marlowe's
first Indianapolis appearance in Clyde
Fitch's great war play Barbara Frietchie''
was not merely large; 1t was enthusiastic,
demonstrativeiy so. There are number of
strong situations in the play. some of which
end with highly dramatic climaxes. and
countless bits OF delicate humor. with the
element of pathos rarely absent. All of
these were quickly appreciated and all COM
bined to bring the inevitable verdict at the
final fall of the curtain. that both play and
star are great. If ever an audience might
be pardoned for calling out an actress after
she has accomplished her stage demise, the
occasion was last night However. the last
great scene of the drama. in which Bar
bara Miss Marlowe) hung lfeless over the
baluster. while the crowd of citizens and
soldiers stood in the street below. looking
much more impressive and fingered longer
in the memory had It been received with
that awestruck silence which is sometimes
the greatest praise that can be given TO art.
A feature about Mr.. Fitch's play which
strikes one at the instant the curtain rises
upon the first act. and Is never afterwards
absent, is the absolutely convincing air of
naturalness with which IL is surrounded. A
brief description Of the scene OF the first
act will make this clear. IL is street in
the Maryland village of Frederick. Full
front views OF the homes of Colonel Negley
and the Frietchies are shown, with the
negro Nanny LUIS little cottage TO the
rig:.t. On the small piazza OF Colonel Neg
ley's house sit a pair Of lovers, while In
front OF the Frietchie house three young
women are silently watching them. Sud-
denly very little girl. who looked uncom-
children. ran onto the stage and hid at one
side OF the steps TO the Frietchie house. A
little boy, following her, spoke the first
of "hide and go seek" With the exception
OF this line and song, with plano &C
compartment, behind the scene (presum-
ably By Miss Marlowe. in her character, OF
Barbara Frietchie). nearly five minutes of
the play was a beautiful picture without
words. When the action began. however,
IL proceeded with ample dash and power to
enchafn the most listiess attention.
The exquisite art OF Miss Marlowe's por-
trayal of Barbara Frietchie is best des-
scribed by the statement that IL entirely
biotc Out ldNt VI tue utIOlnt Dtllie
purely imaginary. Whittier gave
glimpse OF grand abstraction in
his little picture of the gray
headed woman defending her coun-
trys flag. Julia Marlowe presents
something far better-a living. loving, noble
woman who yields her life for the sacred
emblem OF liberty. a criticism made of the
acting Of another feminine star this sea-
scn--that she failed TO show emotion i'm
her CONFERENCE.-The application TO
Miss Marlowe. Few women on the stage
have the power OF facial expression pos
sessed by her. A fine test of stage emotion
Is its ability 20 Withstand the full glare
OF the calcium light. Judged in this man
ner. Miss Marlowe's power OF portraying
all the varieties Of feeling is marvellous
1t seems passing strange that a dramatist
% the fine discrimination possessed by
Clyde Fitch should have introduced into
one or his plays a character so out OF har-
mony with the others Jack Negley. The
incidents In which this young man, driven
mad by unrequited love for Barbara fig
ures- do not II evenly into the story and
leave disagreeable impression. Ii ought
not have been necessary TO mar a great
drama In this way, just for the sake OF
providing some one 10 kill the heroine and
bring about the tragic denouement Arnold
Daily. who played this role. did fine bit
OF emotional acting
J. II. Gilmore, Miss Marlowe's leading