New-York tribune., 1901-02-06
THE DRAMA-MUSIO
MELODRAMA AT THE GAPnrv
UNDER TWO FLAGS"

UNDER TWO FLAGS"
Ouida's novel OF Under Two FIags,
been known 10 the public OF the Uhr. 'ns
dramas based on IL have long been know, and
puelc or the theatre IN every point az ,,, s'-
subject is familiar, and particular cons,sar,,'as
IL would, therefore. be superhuols A na = u
atrical epitonne of il. supervised and MAJ 'ne-
cable oy the ingenious and expert David RaIaS'
was produced last night at the Garden rr,o'
Win attractive accessories ard under arvrs,'
CONDITIONS. and Miss Blanche Bates ernboHss ~
heroine. Cigarette The story OF this a-s-I Us
picturesque. and adventurous girl il A sso y
ama'ory lnfatuation. brave exploits. and uatba,,.
self-sacrifice, under romantic circumstance -~
representative OF Cigarette must be hand.o.'
passionate. expeditions raagranimous rasaSAa'
tuH OF resource. sparkling with eusruv 49, -
fiery conflicts OF feeling and abovs all - "a
Die or covering grief with a smile TIE
the essence OF the character Miss BATES ,ss
possesses rare personal distinction ana -
shows a mind almost equally sttuued "a .S
extreme moods Of mirth and grief was aastI, Us l'
hclent In the assumption Of the identity tbus -
gested. and In the pictorial and effective axn.
OF It's salient attributes. Without the presAno =,
tnis actress th' play would have passed before ,s
PUBIC vision as populous and tumultuous stay.
pageant-a spectacle of Moorish scenar, -
military hustle. Animated by ner uowsr ba -
oliity' and her spirited. various and incessant a.
uon' IL was hfted 70 level OF dramatic a..
portance. The employment of Cigarette n -.
present salvation, from many dangers. OF a -
wnom she loves and whose affections are bestova,
upon another woman; and her diligence in +b.+ -
ployment is attended with risk and rewarded v,.s
RUM Many persons appear TO think that a, a.
oeatihc to be loved by other people and zrevor.
not to be loved. and. accordingly love-taIas sv
emrlary Of the Joy. upon the ne hand and tba S.
row, upon the other that are seduent IRON, ,ba.
antipodal conditions Of experience are perenniauv
caresses the long ears OF ass; and the worls \,
thrilled and edited Cigarettes passion for Bsrti.
Cecil is OF the old familiar kind. and the srars
being Algeria her adventures can theatricalv n.
shown to proceed across background of sngular
1eauty. That country Is well known TO be rs
markable for flowers, cedar forests, Oriental palms
Roman remains. stony deserts contrasted with
smiling villages and luxuriant gardens not distant
from mountains covered With snow.
Taste. thought ingenuity. and sedulous care hav.
been expended upon the pageant and the result ia
a magnificent spectacle. Mr.. Belasco's stage man.
agement could not, in this instance be too warmly
commended. Every scene was a picture: sverv
picture harmonious with the phase Of the storv
then TO be illustrated: and in the transition from
the luxurious villa. with its prospect OF the tran
quill ocean family ripping beneath the moon, Ia
the desoate. rocky weird and ominous mountain
gorge. a climax OF solemn grandeur seemed
20 take shape and color and inagfuat,vs
mantle beauty The drift of whirling mist over
the darkenins wastes OF sand upon the bleak
seacoast would have seemed a perfect Illusion
had II not presently been exceled by the blniin-
terrors OF the mountain tempest These effects
may be wrought by simple means: they could
readily be explained: but they less splendid
because Of their simplicity Of origin But II Is not
20 the pageant that the unmistakaole victory Of
this revival (for revival after all II Isl should be
ascribed: nor Is II 70 the play As drama "Unier
movement. drastic in method coarse in char
acter. shady in morals. ford in style; and this
fresh version Of It IS made silly in some Of the
colloquies. by the infusion Of contemporary slsrg
and current reference The listener hears OF rot
and OF the Rlondike But the old novel yields telling
situations. and the strong and splendid acting Of
to brilliant summit OF success. The revelation o.
savage nature. the elemental passion expressed IN
the fantastic dance. che prayer OF the breaking
for her lovers fidelity. the suppHcation FOR bis
pardon the agony when repulsed. the ecstasy when
triumphant. the tremendous conflict OF emotions
in the Wild ride for rescue-aI these displayed
with more Of human nature and more Of the true
artists power to control feelings and shape the
effect OF situation than has been seen on this
doubt Of the magnificent conquest Of her publ,
no for doubt as 70 the success OF the pFoduc.
ton. There is much to be commended in the
tributary performances. A fine irnpersonation o,
craft combined with suavity and savage force was
given by Campbell Gollan WV.