The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-04-17

Friendshfp.'


Few personalities In the theatrical world
of America are more interesting than that
of Nat c. Goodwin, and there is no other
American actress to whom nature has been
more kind than to Maxine Elliott, and so,
when these two favorite players are to be
seen together in a good play. the event be-
comes one of more than usual attractive
ness to theater-goers. English's was filled
last night with a large and representative
audience which seemed to thoroughly en-
Joy the first presentation in this city of
Madeleine Lucette Ryley's new comedy,
1.-The Altar of Friendship" One reason
that Nat Goodwin is almost always sue
cessful is that he knows a good play when
he sees 1t. The piece in which he is now
appearing was considered a failure by an
other actor-and good actor at that for 1t
was John Mason who first tried it-but Mr..
Goodwin saw in 1t an excellent vehicle for
himself and his charming wife, Miss Elliott,
and 1t didn't take him long to make a
success out of the piece. There may have
been some serious faults in Mrs. Ryleys
original manuscript. but with the present
Interpretation of the play these faults are
never conspicuous where they have not
been entirely eliminated There are many
x
preston that have evidently been interpo-
lated by the ingenious comedian himself,
and so. on the whole. THE Altar of Friend
ship is a delightful entertainment
The story of the play is not a new one
but the oft-molded material has been fash
toned by the author in such skillful style
as to seem quite fresh and novel. 1t is the
old. old story OF self-sacrifice coupled with
willingness of the central male character
Richard Arbuthnot, portrayed by Mr.. Good
win. of course-to bear the blame in the
eyes OF the world OF sin committed by his
friend. Arnold Winnifrith. Arbuthnot is a
IL Is this latter character. girl named
Mary Primer, whom Winnifrith has
wronged. The novelist has been acting as
her rather Is In prison. having been con-
victed or counterfeiting. Winnifrth has
got over his caprice he chooses to
term IL. and has just been married TO Ar
buthnots pretty sister Florence. when
Joseph Pinner, the father OF Mary. is re-
leased from prison ana comes 10 find his
daughters betrayer. He believes Arbuth-
not 20 be the cause OF hei ruin. and the
novelist. for the sake of his sister as
sGmes responsibility for the others guilt
IL may be seen that Winnifrith is friend
altogether unworthy the name. He is a
contemplate coward at best allowing as
he does. another man To stand as his prop
when the edtflcs OF his own folly threatens
TO topple over upon him and crush him
But the good-hearted Arbuthnot, who at
first does not demur at the sacrifice he Is
making. finally insists that the real per
petrator of the wrong shall set him right
In the eyes or the woman whom he has
grown 10 love-a demand which is at frst
refused. But Mary Primer. the one who has
been sinned against, at length comes TO his
rescue She tells the whole truth and this
opens the usual primrose path at last be-
fore all Of the good people OF the play.
This. OF course. Is but a skeleton of the
sfOry--a story that Mrs. Ryiey has treated
with all OF the candor which has come to
be quite The usual thing on the modern
stage. 10 no longer surprises an audience
nowadays when unpleasant truths are
spoken from the stage In the plainest pos
eible language Mrs. Ryley writes with
keen intelligence and there Is good deal
OF sound sense In some or the things that
she has to say regarding the difference In