The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-10-12

Post Marie B. schrader, the well-known dramatic interviewer, has an interesting story concerning the qualities that ap- peal to women, or rather pointing out why Frobisher. the new role attempted by MT. James K Hackett. is so unpopular with women. In an interview with MT. Hackett, whom Mrs Schrader says Is the greatest matinee idol in the coun- try, she asks him some subtle questions:
 "It must be rather novel experience for you, Mir. Hackett, to appear in character which does not appeal strong ly to women."
 ''So it is, but we can't alter the femin- nine opinion of F'robisher.
 Why do they dislike him?"
 For the simple reason that he Is too dominant. It Is agreeable that he should love his wife, and be pushed out of the way at the convenience of herself and her friends. Up to that point he is all right, but the shock comes when he pro- ceeds to become actual master of his home and family. As Lady Westerly says In the play. Govern us. we cry to our hus- bands, and if you do we scratch, but our souls are at peace. Women want to be governed and they do not. but In the end they submit to the dominant force.
 "If the women dislike Frobisher, they adore Lady Alethea. They all agree that she is a much-abused woman, and are not quite sure that they want her to go to Australia with her husband in the last scene. Mrs. Hackett and I have been so pleased by the warmth of her reception in the part She is ideal, and has made such a hit that the chances are she will continue with me for the run of the piece. Our original arrangements were that she should play only short while previous to her starring tour under my manage ment. When we were married we were leading man and woman at the Lyceum stock. I was the first to star Three years after came her opportunity. She signed a flve-year contract with Mckee, and was released merely in order that she might play with me It Is absurd to wish to prohibit husband and wife from playing together. My observation had been that it Is always an advantage, and In my companies there are invariably several married couples. Husband and wife will make sacrifices in salaries in order to be together, and then, too, gen. eral peace of mind concerning home af- fairs Is something to be desired.
 'Is 1t true that husband and wife can not play love scenes fervently?"
 "Ridiculous' said MT. Hackett. Sup pose man is not In love with his wife If he Is an actor, what difference could that possibly make in his acting? A love scene Is love scene, and 1t must be acted Personal feeling should never be permitted to interfere
 "Whether New York will like the new play remains to be seen, but l must say that I consider it the strongest domestic drama of the past ten years. have never had play so good. It ends in a heart note. and that Is what the public always wants. You can't touch the heart in a bad play. My trouble all along has been that I have had to lug plays along, and it has been a struggle. Mrs. Hackett has had the same difficulty since her success in 'Trelawney of the Wells The Crisis was certainly a good play. but my role was small and offered no opportuni- tlcS. ut IIlSOneT ol LNhoeA' iihO Ch Jennco and similar plays are all too theatrical? There Is nothing dignfied or lasting about them"
 q suppose you are disgusted with the very name of romantic drama?" said the writer, knowing the views of others who have been confined to one line of work
 "Oh, mo-" said MT. Hackett. Not bit of It. The public liked me In such parts, so I gave the public what 1t want ed But I found that my other acting had been forgotten. People pick out something for you and they want you to do as they choose. As a matter of fact, I have played in more modern roles than in romantic. My first starring vehicle was The Tree of Knowledge.' l played The Private Secretary when was 23, starring and managing myself. I first came to Washington as The Priv ate Secretary Then came Mime. Sans Gene my first big New York success, and my Identification with swords and cloaks became complete. Until The Crisis If any one said Hackett, some one else would say sword and if romantic drama was mentioned the next word would be IIackett. I was also leading man for Daily in La Collier de la Reine