New-York tribune., 1902-12-25
THE DRA MA.
Nr. Willard at the Garden.
tom PINCH"

Mr. Willard's embodiment of Tom Pinch. which
as shown last night at the Garden Theatre Tthe
sst time here since January q, 190l). has long been
nrzed for its fidelity to the Dickens original, its
beauty Of character. and the lovely symmetry Of
rs delicate art. Among all the Dickens characters
.hat are free from caricature, extravagance, and
ipsridity, that OF Tom Pinch, surely. is the best
g-utte is lovable; but not quite as natural and
certainly not fine. Sidney Carton is supreme in
grandeur; but Sidney Carton is more poetic ideal
than a human being In Tom Pinch there is the
,eu1perament Of such Charles Lamb-a
ileless coniding nature obllvious of itself solic-
itous only for the good of others. a nature that
thinks evil. utters no complaint. but accepts
fortune whether good or ILL., hurnbly and with an
equal mind. No appreciative reader Of Martin
rhrzzlewit' has laid aside that wonderful
creation OF humorous genius without feeling Of
gratitude for the privilege of knowing Tom Pinch
The part is more representative than dramatic.
being invested with the alurement of condition
rather than with the vitality of action, and ac-
cordngly, the representative OF It has to impress
his audience more by what he is than by what he
does The play comprises only a few episodes of
the novel. and only a few of its many persons The
twisted strands of interest are Tom Pinch's hope
less love for Mary Graham his abject grief at the
ZION in exile from home; his sweet and gentle
comradeshp with old friends; and his fervent ebul-
Hton Of righteous scorn and noble anger against
Pecksrin. when at last convinced Of the duplicity
and mean QepFdNlly OF ll2I VICIOUS hypOCrite. MT.
Wflard's representation Of Tom Pinch. remsrka Bile
for many delicate touches of art-such for ex-
ample as the manner of kissing Marys hand.
after her betrothaI to Martins especially re-
rnsrksble for its restraint its pensive sentiment
fveed, but not concealed. under A biithe manner,
and its consistent preservation of homely grace.
The af1uent power OF the actor is skilfully re-
messed: the sentiment never becomes tame: there
is no attempt TO control by self-asserton; but in
every fibre Of being. in every look. and tone. and
word. the personality is made TO win by inherent
charm, while II amuses with the unconscious
droery Of eccentric humor. No better choice could
have been made for Christmas play: for the spirit
Of il is entirely sympathetic with this sacred
lg1ous festival when. for at least little
81 men try TO put their self1shness aside they
think Of the Great Teacher Of peace and good will
The representation OF Tom Pinch will be re-
peated this afternoon, and every lover of Dickens
and Of good acting ought TO see it No attempt
has been made TO epitornize the novel Of Martin
Chuzzewt,' - which. indeed though freighted with
rnelodrsmatic incident. is not, whole. amen
able to theatrical treatment. But the characters Of
Pinch and Pecksniff cleverly displayed in con-
trast and by the expedient of shifting the incident
Of the eavesdropping from the church TO garden
bower q good effect OF climax is obtained at no
sacrifice Of essential probability. conspicuous
tfstic feature OF the cast is the performance of
Chuzzewit by Mr.. 7. G. Taylor. The dresses display
quaint fashions OF seventy years ago. Mr. Willard 5
engagement at the Garden Theatre is drawing to
close It has been a public beneft;-for this is an
actor who believes in the dignity of his srt and
is true 10 it, presenting noble plays and acting
greatly in them, with sedulous avoidance of d.
Gacticisn. the teaching Of lessons and the anal
ysis Of disease. It is pleasure 10 see him. It is
a refreshment to hear him speak; and it is COM
fcrt to remember him. W w