The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-04
"The Two schools, at EngIi.h'..


''The Two Schools" the new French COM
ely by Alfred Capus, presented for the first
tine I'M Indianapolis at English's last night
by Charles Frohman's company of comedy
players. is praiseworthy for two things-it
has been wonderfully well written and it is
being most admirably acted. The French
playwright has shown himself to be ex-
tremely skiIlful in the construction of his
play and very clever in the writing of its
lines. But he hasn't displayed any great
amount Of originality, for, like all other
French comedy writer's, he has chosen to
deal with a subject that seems TO appeal to
Gallo folklore above all others-marital in
fidelities-and. I'm keeping with the generally
accepted view of the matter among French
men, he has set forth to illustrate that the
man who Is untruthful TO his wife Is only
guilty of an easily forgivable indiscretion.
NJ. Capus's comedy is not nearly so vulgar
as many other French importations pro-
duced within the last four or five years on
tionable In ethical significance, but IL can
hardly be said to be play for America and
Americans.
There is no use in apologizing for the
story that the comedy has to tell. Here it
is, to put IL briefly and plainly: A young
husband. named Edouard Mauburn, wno
fiirts with every woman that will fiirt with
him, goes to such extremes in his cheerful
little amusements that Henriette, his wife,
finally secures a divorce from him. One
would think that after her experience Hen
riette would have had quite enough of mar
ried life. but Ii appears that young
Frenchwoman of responsibility must neces-
sarily be married to somebody. and so she
proceeds TO make preparations TO marry
another man whom she doesn't care for in
the least. but who seems to be a perfect
model OF SaintlineSS-and isn't. At a res
taurant dinner with her parents Henriette
meets her divorced husband in company
with loud-talking, ill-bred young woman
.rIar
pair OF goo-goo eyes which she uses as her
principal stock in trade. Now, it is right
here that the auditor becomes keenly alive
TO the fact that a Frenchman wrote the
play for despite the obvious Character of
her ex-husband's companion what does
Henriette do but effect partial reconcilia-
tion with monsieur right on the spot as
soon the other woman's back is turned
Then comes a tete-a-tete which has been
arranged by Henriettes father who. by the
way, is an old roue himself. and the di-
vorced husband attempts to coax his former
wife into remarrying him. But Henriette
holds out. and. although one hasn't bit OF
doubt as TO her perfect Willingness to take
the erring Mauburn back to her heart, she
repulses him and runs away from his out
stretched arms. Then, of course, the ex-
pected happens. The model OF rectitude
falls from grace. He becomes an easy prey
for the woman with the communicative
eyes, and. has association with her being
discovered by Henriette. the latter young
woman gives up her battle against what is
sometimes called the sterner sex and is re-
united TO her husband. During all of these
adventures and misadventures the elderly
father-in-law, Monsieur Joulin, is furnish
ing much of the comedy by displaying his
own capabilities as gay old rounder, while
his wife causes amusement with her won
derfulIy liberal views regarding mankind
the world over
The French love a play like this. New
York does. too. If the truth must be known.
But IL is doubtful whether 1.-The Two
Schools will prove much OF a success dur
ing its road tour. although IL is certainly a
clever comedy of its kind and is in the
hands OF most capable company of play
ers. There are no stars in the cast, but All
cs the players are thoroughly competent
and succeed in making even the more ur-
natural of the scenes convincing and anus
ing at one and the same time And one
cannot help but feel. too. that the comedy
must gain In dignity, as much as is possi-
Bile. through the splendid work of the people
now engaged in performing It,
The principal characters are portrayed by
Winchell Smith. as Edouard Mauburn: NJ.
"A. Kennedy, as Monsieur Joulin; Beatrice
Morgan, as Henriette. and May Lambert, as
Estelle. Mr.. Smith Is excellent in his quiet
comedy work, while Mr.. Kennedy is a dis
law. The latter actor looks his part and
plays IL well-nigh perfectly: IL seems to fit
him as neatly as his coat. Miss Morgan, a
woman of remarkable beauty and ac-
tress OF much individuality, Is serious and
amusing by turns in the role OF Henriette.
and Miss Lambert Is good I'm the frivolous
part OF Estelles woman incapable of a Sc
rious thought. Norman Macdonald has an
unsympathetic part In the character of the
sanity lie Hautois who gives way TO his
and all Of the smaller roles are creditably
played The comedy will be repeated at a
matinee this afternoon and will be given
for the last time here tonight