The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-25
"The Sign of the Four"

presented at the Bijou.
 'The Sign of the Four"
 Of the performance of The Sign of the Four" The Nashville Banner in a column article on the opening of Wells Bijou had the following to say:
 But the play itself. The Sign of the Four" Is a worthy offering and was well received last night. While the ! dramatization differs considerably from the original text of Conan Doyles stir ring novel. the story is still there in all its dramatic intensity. The story of the treasure of Agra is practically the same with the exception that few situations have been created which serve only to add to the interest and action of the drama. There are some striking situations throughout the four acts. all of which are well staged, and some of the climaxes were intensely dramatic Others were equally as in tense from their mere uniqueness and oddity. The scene at the end of the third act, when Sherlock Holmes frees himself from the coils of rope with which he is bound. by burning them with his cigar, and the rescue which follows. is one of the most exciting eli maxes imaginable and brought down the house.
 At first it is rather difficult to as SptiitO tilC 0'hi wy Hlcihly h6 oiO DA Walter Edwards with the pictured one of the cadaverous Sherlock Holmes, but that is only for moment MT. Edwards assumes the character with all naturalness and with great in telligence. His work was a character study of excellent attainment. In no instance did he overlook any opportuni- ty to add to the effectivness or com pleteness of scene of situation. His conception of the character of Sherlock Holmes was carefully, faithfully and intelligently sustained.
 The Leading Lady.
 Miss Jane Wheatley as Mrs. John Shoite handled a difficult heavy in a most satisfactory manner. Her work was convincing at all times, and al though the part is villainous one. her efforts at all times compelled the ad- miration of her audience. Miss Wheat ley is a handsome woman, and her height and commanding presence aided her in giving the proper dignity to the role.
 Frank Sylvester was entirely accept table as Dr. John Watson. He entered heartily into the frankness and guile lessness the character demanded. and his bluntnCSs served to heighten by contrast the wonderful powers of the great detective. his companion and friend. Miss Louise Lander. as Besslee, was delightful in her scene with the unsophisticated doctor. Gage Bennett put the proper amount of blunder. blus~ ter and general assininity into the char acter of Athelnay Jones, the Scotland Yard detective.
 Miss Marion Lorne was quite accept abe as Mary Marston. although she had little opportunity. She Is pretty and pleasing, however. Virginia King sley did clever work in the character part of Mrs. Hudson. The other parts were capahly handled.
 Some criticism of the dramatization itself might be indulged in on account of the liberty taken by the playwright in having Sherlock Holmes instead of Dr Watson fall in love with Mary Marston. It is a trifle difficult to pie ture the cold, calculating detective in the role of lover.
 Mir. Charles B. Hanford's tour the coming season will be again under the direction of Mir F. Lawrence Walker who has been closely identified with MT. Hanford in a business way for the past thirteen years.
 All the prominent stars are reviVing their greatest successes for this sea son. Julia Marlowe Romeo and Juli- ct" Helen Grantly Her Lord and Mas ter Mrs Fiske Becky sharp. Maude Adams The Little Minister" In all there are twenty five musical numbers in Dolly Warden" which Is an unusual amount for modern comic opera; excepting the finale of the first act and th" big ensemble in the mid | dle of the second act, all the musical | numbers in "DOIV Warden" ara comedy numbers. Dolly Warden" is to be seen here soon with Maude Rollins as the star.
 David Warfield's first performance