The San Francisco call., 1904-11-27
INTERESTING ITEMS
ABOUT ACTOR FOLK
AND THEIR PLAYS

Following is the interesting comment
of the Washington Evening Star on the
production Of The Virginian," lately
seen in that city and shortly to be seen
here:
Not since Arizona was produced
here the first time has sre plaintive
mystery, the dry humor and the weird
romanticism which are a part Of the
comedy and tragedy of wild prairie
life been depicted so delightfully."- and
so graphically to the playgoers Of
Washington as was the case at the
Columbia Theater last night, when
The Virginian' was given its initial
performance in the capital city. The
piece embodies the principal incidents
in Owen Wister's novel OF the same
name, and in dramatic form it i'm
pressively conveys TO the audience the
atmosphere of that Western border
land, where a high sense Of natural
justice was wont to reign untrammel-
ed in the absence of law and where
retribution was meted out with swift
ness and dispatch to the deSecratOrs
of the rights Of other men, One in
full sympathy with the spirit Of the
play is conscious OF the strange fas-
cination of the plains. Of the strong
virulent life, of the thrilling spirit OF
adventure and the bonds of good fel-
lowship, which actuated the pioneers
of the prairies in their struggles to-
ward the upbuilding Of the new coun-
try.
Mr. Dustin Farnum, in the title
role, has made the Virginian stand out
with striking force as a strange char
acter study. His characteristic com
posure, coolness and reserve are in
strong contrast with the adventurous
action in which he participates. In all
his work he is deliberate and convinc-
ing, and bears himself with that GER
tain confidence Of a man who knows
what it is to depend on himself for
whatever of success he may achieve
in any purpose. 1t is to be expected
that duty stands first with him, even
above his loyalty to friends and his
love- His impersonation OF the role
is both artistic and strong.
Another strong character in the piece
is that Of Trampas. who IS depicted
with great skill by Frank Campeau as
a type of the reckless and lawless cat
tie rustler Of the ranges, daring and
desperate rather than courageous Miss
Helen Holmes, who portrayed the
schoolma'am. was charmingIy natural
and winsome, and proved interesting as
the heroine, and Guy Gates Post, as
Steve merited more than ordinary IA
vor in his inpersonation OF a compar-
atively small part. Frank Monroe.
Frank Nelson and Charles Males did
some particularly clever work as the
cowboy friends of the Virginian- The
scenic embellishments of the produc-
ton were notably in harmony with
the atmosphere Of the piece"
Little Johnny Jones'" in which
George NJ. Cohan is starring after per-
petrating, was first presented last
week in New York. Mr.. Cohan, it is
said, has been unkind to himself in the
musical play as he calls it. but has
furnished other folk in the cast with
fat parts. Ethel Levey. Jerry ]. Co
han, Helen NJ Cohan and Truly Shat
tuck are among the other fun-makers-
Rejane in French repertoire is the
latest sensation of the Mex York thea
ters. While generally deprecating the
character of her plays the New York
press has only praise for the art Of the
actress. "Amoureuse," 'LoIotte" and
La Parserelle" were the bills Of her
first week
In the coming production Of a
Chinese Honeymoon" John L. Kearny