The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-01-13
AT THE THEATERS
Observation-Disclosures Hawtrey In "
Message from Mars"

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Hawtrey In "a
Message from Mars"
The reasons for Charles Hawtreys per-
ennial success in "a Message from Mars"
are not far to seek. In the first place
Richard Ganthony has turned out in the
play powerful lesson in altruism-or to
use his own word Of good Anglo Saxon
coinage, "otherdom." And knowing very
well that plain lesson is as little pala-
table on the stage as anywhere, Mr.. Can
thony has ptqued the interest with a touch
OF the supernatural. His messenger from
our ne1ghboring planet is an original con-
ceptlon, gathering added value from the
current scientific discussion as to whether
that planet Is inhabited. This Marian,
coming to earth to eXpiate his own fault
by the reclamation Of the most selfish
man in London. sounds a wierdly serious
note In the play. His revelation that the
Martlans have no sense of humor is an
ingenious touch that adds to the vivid
contrast between the interplanetary trav-
eler and the terrestrial sinner he has
come to reform. For the selfish man is
saved from entirely losing our sympathies
by his keen sense Of humor. The ''dyna-
mic currents" by which the Marian en-
forces his will form another effective con-
cept, cleverly worked out in stage effects.
But the chief merit of the play is it's
bright comedy, flashing internationally
turnout the lines. Whenever the preach
ments of the Marian are in danger Of be-
coming wearisome, the situation is turned
to laughter by. saving humor. A lesson
IN altruism pleasanter to learn and yet
more striking in its clear purpose is diff
ficult to. imagine. ...,.
The second important item in the plays
success, is, of course, Mr.. Hawtrey's own
admirable working out of the character
Of the selfish man. The utter uncon-
1f fho We
shutting him out from any other point Of
view, awakes in the loOker-on wonder
ment as to whether his own ego is play
ing him such FRANKS, And then the Eng
lish sang froid, which Is his defense
against the attacks of the Marian and
which at last is warmed into real human
blood by radical expedients, is very ef-
fective. Mr.. Ifawtrey is a thoroly English
actor, and his English methods form an
interesting study. to an American audi
ence. He is always self-contained, never
demonstrative. He is keen in his own in
terests and yet has a sense of fair play
that is easily awakened. He has saw
ing sense Of humor that gilds actions that
| would otherwise seem irredeemably sordid.
Altogether Mr.. Hawtrey's success in this
play is a gratifying demonstration Of the
fact that a theme clean and wholesome,
may be made far more effective and at
tractive on the stage than one dealing
with doubtful problems of sex relations.
The company is all English and its in
sular accent is therefore in keeping with
the story. It is we'll selected and effect
i've. The Marian is played by Henry J.
Hadfield with discriminating seriousness
The supernatural idea Is carried out with
out descending into mere staginess. Fred
Thornes impersonation Of the tramp
genius is we'll considered and to the life
There are numerous other character bits
of less prominence and mostly we'll done
Miss Hetta Bartlett as the selfish mans
fiancee Is attractively ingenious, while
Miss Alice Wilson, as the aunt, furnishe:
an odd note with her extremely English
speech and her bizarre appearance.
w. B. Chamberlain.