The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-02-23
EMPIRE THEATRE.

For His Brothers Crime" a melo-
drama by Charles f. Blaney, with Mont
gomery Irving in the title role, is the at
traction at the Empire this week. and an
appreciattve and discriminating audience
applauded the play TO the echo last even
ing. Montgomery Irving I'm the dual role
OF Ben and Victor Sterling, won marked
favor, and his acting was such as 10
cause the play TO linger in the memory
OF all who witnessed IL. Ii is role well
suited To his temperament, and he gave
distinction TO the character.
His acting was sympathetic and spon-
taneous, and. with a commanding stage
presence, was accorded commentator OF
pronounced type Mr.. wing displayed
unusual strength in the gymnasium scene
In the third act, when he lifted dumb-bells
weighing, Mr.. Irving explained, from 100
TO 200 pounds, with an ease and graceful
ness which stamped him a thorough ath-
lete. In the bridge scene he holds the
structure with his shoulders while a car
riage dashes over IT,
The play itself is a cleverly constructed
drama, with plenty OF heart interest, and
affords an excellent opportunity for emo
ional acting. The staging OF the play
was In keeping with the performance of
the company, and, taken as a whole II
was indeed a well-balanced and intelli-
gent cast. IL is a clean. wholesome pro-
duction, a patchwork OF love and in
trigue, pathos and humor, smiles and
tears. Mr.. Blaney showed excellent judg-
nent In placing his characters In a po-
sition where the light and shade OF viii
lainy and honesty were clearly contrasted,
toned with a vein OF humor which Is ir-
resistible.
A brief summary of the play follows:
Victor Sterling is In love with Rose Bar
clay. who reciprocates the feeling. Larry
Monckton, wild with rage at his rival S
success. plans his downfall.
William Barclay, Roses father calls
at the blacksmith shop OF Victor to de-
nounce him. when he is confronted by
Ben Sterling, who In a drunken rage kills
Barclay. For his mothers sake Victor
assumes the responsibility OF the crime.
and Larry Monekton persecutes him re-
lentlessly. He arranges n sword fight In
Victors gymnasium between Tom
Bouncer and the hero and during it's pro-
gress incites his allies TO kill Victor. With
a sword in either hand Sterling fells
his antagonists TO the ground and wins a
noted battle.
Monckton then attempts Sterling's life
by Turing him to a deserted mill. but Vic
tor comes forth triumphant and when the
villains ruffians cut down the bridge, TO
on his shoulders. and the carriage passes
in safety At the home OF Mrs. Sterling
one year later. the denouement of
Monckton follows, and everything Is
bright and cosy for the lovers.
Mabel Bardine, as Rose Barclay. made
winsome and handsome heroine. and,
while the role called for no emotional ex-
actitude, displayed a sound acquaintance
with the mechanics OF acting. Miss Joe
Haywood was sweet and womanly as Mrs
Sterling while Illlyn Allyn, as Tessie
was superb Celia Rosewood as Ben Ster-
ling, Jr. and Claire Schade. as Dolly Ster-
ling. gave clever impersonations of child
characters and scored heavily in their
specialties. Harry Fielding. as Dennis
McPike and Harry Lawrence as Dickey
kept the audience in an uproar with their
humorous antics Others deserving OF
mention are Frank T. Haven. Russell r
White. Walter Morrison and Charles h
Carl. The Herbert Brothers. acrobats did
an excellent bit Of gymnastic work. and
were warmly applauded.
Next week Managers Spitz and Nathan
son announce as the attraction Patrice IN
the melodramatic success, Driven From
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