The Washington times., 1901-09-24
The NationaI-"The Last appeaI.o


1t was a simple story, redolent with
that quality known as heart interest, -
that pleased the New Nationals audience
last evening and will please constantly in
creasing audiences throughout the week.
Leo Ditrichstein is the author of "The
Last Appeal" and is known to the Capital
as remarkably clever and versatile man,
an actor of exceptional merit. a trans
Iator of ability, ard an author of ideas.
In writing this last effort he has carefully
avoided the pitfalls of melodramatics and
as result has given a simple love story,
without counterplot or other unnecessary
elaboration. The story is unique in some
respects; certainly the play is exceptional
in the excellence of its cast, which ex-
tends to the merest bit
There is historic foundation for THE
Last Appeal in the career of a German
nobleman who married a commoner and
committed suicide rather than respond to
the call of duty and renounce her at his
monarch's command. Mr. Ditrichstein
has lightened the tale by giving IL happy
ending: less artistic. perhaps, yet more
pleasing and infinitely more profitable
The opposed marriage Is unique in that
the father of both the young people con-
siders himself wronged. And the denoue-
ment appeals to each similarly, So all
ends as merriiy as the hackneyed mar
riage bell
More than passing notice should be
given the dialogue of THE Last Appeal :"
for it is keen and bright throughout. the
little comedy relief is introduced naturally
and adds color to the heavier emotion in
contrast. The scenic equipment is perfect
and adequate, while the costuming is ex-
cellent and true to the locale.
No more even cast has been seen in
Washington than that Mr.; Harris has
given The Last Appeal" Robert Drouet,
af q low, ras.If
has the fertile role Of the unfortunate
prince and wins a deserved success In
many respects 1t is the best work of his
career, less snowy, possibly than that in
THE Christian" yet more finished. and
even yet he has not reached his climax.
4 fine physique, rich voice, and a per-
feet understanding make Mr.. Drouet one
of the very best of the younger leading
men. His last scene in the third act
would perhaps be better if done more de-
liberately. but, aside from this. little i'm
provement suggests itself. Kate Hassett,
a newcomer to Washington, has the most
difficult of the feminine roles. Without
personal graces of marked degree, she
scored genuine success. The eiocution-
list crops out notably in the more emo
tional scenes and n lack of repose and
aplomb suggests Itself to the critical yet
withal Miss Hassett shows great promise
of supreme excellence. Her light scenes
are especially clever; few American
women would be more natural or more
charming Frank Mordaunt is natural
and easy as the King. authoritative and
powerful, while his superior is found in
John Glendinning, the original Laird in
"Trilby." Mr.. Glendinning is exception
ally good, forceful. yet reserved and nat
ural. The scene between him and Mr.
Mordaunt is one to be remembered. Anne
Sutherland, a Washington woman, for
merly Mr.. Jeffersons lead, is buried in
small part, but is sweet and natural in it,
raising herself above the average as does
Eleanor Carey. a former Columbia stock
company favorite. George Boniface is
singled out for mention by reason of ex-
cellence in a humorous bit. Edwin Brant
and Myrtle Ninson both do some effective
work In roles of lesser Importance. Mati-
nees Wednesday and Saturday.