The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-11-03
Forbes Robertson and Gertrude Elliott in Light Failed

a famous war correspondent. arranged
this scene. In its painting and I'm the
grouping OF tho characters, there is Sc
cured an atmosphere as convincing as
those we used to see In the days Of the
civil War plays-ihe Drummer Boy of
Shiloh" and the rest, when the old sol
diers fresh from the field used TO partici-
pate and give things the real flavor. The
two studio scenes are splendid exam
pies Of repression. effective without
trace OF extravaganza nothing sticking
out.
There Is a scene representing a bit OF
French country landscape. II is In soft.
almost negative. colors-full Of atmos-
phcre In this scene-just for fllustra-
tion-stands pretty girl. the little
waitress OF tho inn. We forget how she
is dressed. except that she has on blue
aproh She brings q tray ~ wine 20 the
stalwart Torpenhow. he In brown riding
clothes. boots and whip. He drinks the
wine chatting her the while as she
raises laughing face inviting a kiss, may
hap. Standing there In that scene they
make n picture than an artist could re-
joice 10 catch and put on a bit OF can
vass-fetchng as TO figures. dreamy as
20 landscape. effective as 10 coloring, full
OF lightness and softness OF atmosphere,
with the bright contrasting dash Of strong
color In the centre. This Is only one strik-
ing example Of the effects that appeal to
the eve I'm the consummstely arranged
stage Of the Light that Failed.
= We have read somewhere that Mr.
Forbes Robertson is going on 70 years
old But he has the figure OF a school
boy. 1.-THE and light. not tall. but not an
inch too short He possesses full re-
sonant expressive voice-the kind that
the Engllshman seems TO have 10 his ad-
vantage as compared 90 the American
nasal tone His style suggests Henry
Miller. He accomplishes his effects
with charming facility OF gesture and
facial expression. His virile performance
last evening. was Of velvet finish.
Miss Gertrude Elliott suggests our
Maxine. She is a miniature Of that
statuesque actress. the same chiseled
profile and Jet black hair. the same grace
OF body Her face is more expressive
| and sweetnesS Of demeanor becomes
her She has but one opportunity that.
| after the modern fashion. would be STYLED
strong. and then she nlls the stage full.
/ But throughout. 10 the discriminating q
! observer. she sraces dainty part with
/ true art of manner and expression. She
/ requires no calcium n make her dis
tinctlve
Rarely. has there been a better orga- .
nized company IN the Providence Opera
house than that which is supporting Mr.
! Robertson and Miss Elliott I'm this en-
gaRing play. The characters have been
selected with all the felicity OF physical
/ suitability that used 10 mark Charlie
| Hoyt's lineup In his farces. Everyone of
| them looks the part however trivial and
| that contributes greatly 10 the con-
vinring character. the naturalness OF the
picture and Interpretation.
The acting OF the several inconsiderable
parts is as noteworthy as that % the
Observation-Disclosures by naturai-
ness that is admirable art
Mr. G. Aubrey Smith. the Horatio TO
Robertson's Hamlet. the Mercutio TO his
Romeo. is splendid figure and n spiend-
"a actor. whether In the rough OUTFIT %
the soudan or the conventional clothes
of the moderately well dressed Jondoner.
The types OF war correspondents and mr.
lists rovide a ane and entertaining va
rie,y tc the scene Miss lee gives
distinctive performance Of the .hapiess
aid indicative Bessie and sight "a II
rer part. Miss Berkeley as the red hair