The Saint Paul globe., 1905-03-27
At st. Paul Theaters

1t is rare entertainment to witness
a play that holds the mirror I'D to
nature and reflects certain phases of it
so truthfully as Checkers did at the
metropolitan last night. The play is
Henry NJ. Blossom Jr.'s dramatization
or his own story, which exploits the
vicissitudeS of young man addicted
10 the uncertainties of horse racing.
Unlike other horse racing plays, no
horses or racetracks are exhibited to
excuse the drama. But the betting ring
Is shown, and effectively shown, for
1T is the scene in which the hero wins
$4,000 on a long shot and also his
sweetheart.
But the dramatic climax achieved
here is not the sole merit of the drama.
The author has written lines for all
-FOUR acts that commend the play as
a character comedy. Not one speech is
Stilted or forced: Many are exception
ally bright, responsive and character
istic-especially those allotted to
Checkers and Push" Miller. the
racetrack tout. These two characters
furnished the predominating flavor
Thomas W. Ross, who plays the title
role. exhibits histrionic ability of an
uncommon quality. He is effective in
quiet, subdued fashion that COM
mands admiration and respect. He
suggests his emotions instead of de-
claiming them. His personality fits the
role to perfection. The gamblers slang
slips as easily from his lips as his
money from his fingers. When the
lrate father discovers Checkers kiss
ing his daughter, whom he had de-
signed for another, he eXclaims in his
wrath:
I'll teach you to kiss my daughter!"
Thanks, I'm doing quite WELL" is
Checkers soft reply. s.,s
fha nnF~fV- a1 rNf ~,
Ross is so honest. SO true, SO lifelike.
that the spectator sees Checkers
himself, not the mere actor
The reality of Mr.. Ross imperSona-
ton is duplicated by David Braham Jr.
in the character of push" Miller, the
tout. Braham's Bowery dialect rings
true, his gait is convincing and his
1aclaI expressions illuminate every
word he speaks.
But the author has not confined his
efforts at character building to these
two devOteeS of the turf. In the second
act showing the main thoroughfare of
village, he pictures some amusing
and easily recognizable rural charac-
terS. Conspicuous among them are
Uncle Jerry" Halter. played by
Charles Willard, and Cynthia Barlow's
maid servant, by Miss Lydia Dickson.
Wizards Uncle Jerry" is a capital
Characterization and Miss Dickson's
Cynthia is funny; after a farcical
fashion.
The author has vented his sarcasm
on Adoniram Barlow, the Croesus of
Clarksville," a rich old curmudgeon,
who tells with savage avidity how he
saved so cents of the first dollar he
ever earned OF course Barlow is the
father of the girl whom Checkers
wants. He keeps rum in his barn, and
places bet on a horse at the race
track when assured by Push" the tout.
that the event has been fixed for that
horse to win. He plays the steed for a
place, however, but it too green to cash
the ticket when the horse wins the
race. Push" returns him $40, the
amount of his bet, in exchange for his
ticket, which is worth $420, and pockets
the difference to everybody'S joy.
Miss Katherine Mullxins contributed
sweet and sympathetic impersona-
ton of Pert Barlow, whom Checkers
wins. Miss Harriet Worthington in
vested the role of Sadie Martin with
adequate spirit. and Wallace Worsley
convincingly portrayed the character
of Arthur Kendall. a lazy spendthrift,
whom Checkers saved from ruin.
Claude II. Cooper furnished an admir-
able character sketch in the first act
of an aged invalid at Hot Springs.
All the ether roles were in competent
hands. and in consequence the entire
performance was a delight.