New-York tribune., 1901-09-01
LONDON DRAMA.
A MILITARY PLAY BY A FRESH HAND
WITH A NEW ACTOR-MANAGER-
PROMISE OF AN INTEREST
ING SEASON
ING SEASON.

London. August %.
The London theatrical season has been opened
with q series Of interesting experiments on a
single night at the Imperial, behind the Aqua
rium at Westminster Mr. Herbert Waring.
after protracted service in Mr. Frohmans
theatre the Duke Of York's, has undertaken the
double role Of actor-manager, and selected as
his first venture military melodrama. Mr..
Boyle Lawrence, critic has allowed the public
20 pass judgment upon his first ambitious effort
in stage writing The actor manager and the
playwright, undeterred by the failure OF a
series Of military dramas have sought 70 supply
a companion piece for The Second in Com
msnd," the only play of the class which has
been markedly successful in war time. These
experiments lent adventitious interest 20 the
first night Of a new season. and while the re-
suits were not satisfactory from every point of
view, there was hearty appreciation Of a strong
situation al the close of. the second act and a
cordial reception Of actors and playwright after
the final fall Of the curtain. "A Man Of His
Word" provided Mr. Waring with a congenial
part similar 10 the roles taken for many years
by Mr. Terriss at the Adelphi. and Mr. H. B.
irving with fine opportunity for intense,
realistic acting. II was a crude play with the
stage business badly managed in the first act
ana with the dialogue prosaic throughout; hut
the story was clearly told; there was ingenuity
In the construction, with at least two unex-
pected surprises in the plot; and if the comic
relief was superficial there was a true sense
Of dramatic effect
The hrst act embodied fictitious incident in
the I1rah expedition on the northwest frontier
OF India, and revealed a military encampment
IN mountain pass where a small British garri-
son was surrounded by the enemy and in urgent
a1ioF NJ
ai'er daring ride. has Joined the beleaguered
posi- IN time TO take part in sortie against the
enemy; but IN the intensity Of HIS ardor 70
marry the woman to whom he is secretly be-
uotheo he becomes a dastardly coward deserts
ms rescuer. and bolts back TO camp with the
Suanooned comrades horse. receiving a danger
Ous wound in retreating. Believing that death
= near he cOnfesses his shameful conduct to
oaplaln Meredith CMr. Waring), after extract
e promise that the secret shall not be re-
"'eo While the unconscious officer is turned
0'ei 10 The mercies Of the field nurse. Mrs. Rev
's 'Afs Cecil Raleigh). the innocent captain
suspected Of the act of treachery and placed
IHoer arrest. When tried by court martial he
-especs his promise, and will not speak; and
Hne ne is technically acquitted he is disgraced
"u Ostracized In the retirement of his mothers
Isslow IN Simla he awaits the recovery Of
e-OIel Fangdon. supported by the faith of a
:, friends In his innocence, among whom is
-s'Her Dayenant Odiss Hida Rivers), who loves
--HI although she is secretly engaged to the
esNy ofncer. The crisis comes when the two
olAoefs meet. and Colonel Pangdon refuses to
ssr ms Innocent comrade from suspicion.
He struggle between the two men, one yearn-
e ior pindication from unmerited disgrace and
-e oeher lacking the moral courage required for
: 'icling himself. makes strong scene, and It
used most ingeniously. The only concession
: ~' captain Meredith can obtain from Colonel
elsoon Is promise 10 reveal the truth TO the
, sn with whom the innocent officer is in
1e' ana this is broken straightway for when
DaVenant is pointed out as the one who
70 near the terrible secret. the guilty man
el.~tes' and cynically announces their engage
This is the dramatic moment OF the play.
mere is another surprise in reserve The
., nurse Mrs. Reverly. instead OF revealing
~. secret makes audacious advances to Cap
g. Meredith, and when these are repulsed
,a against Esther Davenant. who is defend
- nm by declaring that he has been shielding
Ynsf lie, officer. Colonel Pangdon. who is pre-
LIZ 10 head another expedition on highly
sNsroous service suddenly Joins the group and
raerprets chance remark Fancying that
sp'aln Meredith has betrayed him. he blurts
~, s own guilt. and unconsciously supplies
~ 'holcation which has been withheld With
10 hNfs hS'.ohefs passionate entreaty 10 be allowed
,hs @o the forlorn hope and to perish in battle.
SIR, eain falls II is not a convincing play.
ho,. he probabilities are wantonly violated
tn c.eh Neh the self-convicted officer is allowed
stssa ahd the column and when at an earlier
he turns poitroon after a daring and