Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-24

E-S-S.l - ex<x(sNEH lasSsA
About ten years ago two actresses were
appearing in the same company. one was
known to EistrioniC fame but slightly, al
lough her withdrawal from the social
world had been accompanied by conSldera-
hIc notorietv. The other was young wo-
man lust starting in her profession anxious
To learn willing to please and thankful FOR
the present that her efforts as a dancer
were so cordially received The piece was
Miss Helyett" and the two future stars
whose widely distinct orbits swung TO-
gcther at that point were Mrs. Leslie car
ter and Marie Cahil The public did not
then recognize either of them THIS was
the only country in which Miss ilclyett was
a failure and there could be but one reason
for the lack of appreciation. Mrs carter
work at that time was crude. her DEBUT
previously in The Ugly Duckling mad
proved entirely discouraging. She had been
some time without an engagement. Only
the mysterious sixth sense. which enables
the stage manager to recognize subtle ef-
fects could detect the splendid wealth of
TEMPERAMENT which she possessed. But
temperament without technique Is worth
,ss and the public was guilty of no real
Injustice when it turned its back on the
performance 1t is safe to say that nobody
not even the manager whose fortunes
have been so strangely and brilliantly
linked with hers-suspected that she Wouiu
arrive at her present eminence. an emf
renee which amounts to positive supremacy
I'M certain phases of emotional acting.
David Bclasco's spectacular tuition OF her
was regarded mere charlatanism. Sto-
ries were printed to the effect that part
# his system of education consisted III
dragging her about the stage during re-
hcarsals by her splendid auburn hair. There
was no popular Indignation. The story
was a palpable fake" a melancholy effort
Ia create fictitious interest in hopeless
enterprise. There is irony in the thought
hat Lottie Collins. who is now almost for
gotten was once engaged to strengthen the
attraction when Mrs, Carter was trying to
star But THE Heart of Maryland was
followed by ''Zazl" and 'Zaza' by 'Du-
Barry" In three strides she progressed
rom the humblest to the proudest position
n the dramatic profession. No actress now
lands more secure in popular admiration
nd critical respect.
# the public who loves to have it, emo
IONS played upon is grateful to Mrs. Car
,r. the public who loves to laugh is no
- grateful to Marie Cahll. Her progress
rer sure. y friend once made across the
ootlights was never lost and she has won
following Independently of author and
tage manager In spite of the fact that
she has never appeared in play that was
well suited to her personality, she has
ttained complete recognition as the Sarah
;ernhardt Of farce and the Adelina Patti
# the coon song.
Miss Cahill has q sense of humor all
i,r own. 1t was her quickncSs OF percep-
ION in this regard which enables her TO
,tcct in the chorus of Cant Fool All
lie People the making of great nit
ven though the rag-time Orpheus who
rought il To her attention was commended
either 10y purse. position nor complexion.
-he song is one of those atrocities. which
max, time rhyme with mine, and
hose meter sounds as if it had been model
d after the noise of a chain pump. But
nee heard there Is no escaping its fasci-
alton That is if Miss Cahill sings it.
,tbers have tried it in defiance OF copy
light and with scant success.
Miss Cahills humor was APPLY SHOWN
turing an engagement here not many sea
sons ago in sad and lonely little musical
o,ned,- which played at the Lafayette
or
Ter hurlesUue of Becky Sharpe with
Raymond Hitchcock was memorabiy anus
ne 1t was good show. but theater-goers
or some reason avoided it. Flowers were
rr;nr passed over the footlghts, however.
n a profusion which slowed sincere appre-
iatiun on the part of at least a few loyal
md constant visitors. Miss Cahiil got
aughtcr and applause, but no bouquets.
)ne night as the company was responding
q Il curtain call on the finale of the prin-
ipaI act Miss Cahill remarked, TN have
little laugh. anyhow" One younl woman
f the company was embowered with
\mercau Beauty roses; another was in
renched behind barricade of orchids. and
arnatinns were as common as cabbage.
Ills Cahill gathered up vivid green grass
ug tied a pink ribbon around it and de-
nurely advanced to the footlghts. She
eld it as il il were cherished cuf~c>$Dn
II the choicest blooms. Both stage alN
auditorium were convulsed with laught"c,
Though the little satire the bouquet
.abit undoubtedly stung.
Chase's Thcater continued in its comfort
bic monotony of. large and well-pleased
audiences. At the Lafayette James Lack
We renewed the favorable impression he
iad previously created In york state
'OlkS. winch IL CONSIDERABLY above the
v.rag, of popular price attractions. At
he academy Happy Hooligan" proved sat
sfactory Ia large and hilarious assem-
Iugcs while the Empire pleased many de
utccs OF the melDdrama.
IRENE BEtTLEY AS a PHILoLo-
iIST.-lreue Bentley. who plays Kitty Cal
ert In "A Girl from Dixie" Is called upon
a. rortrly "A southern lassie. She has