The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-02-03
Cbe Cbeatres
Jenries In "Davy Crockett .n4

James J. Jeffries. champion heavy weight pugilist of the world, having made his advent to Montgomery and departed herefrom, the writer will say whatever he pleases of James J. Jeff fries and his production of "Davy Crockett"
 Let it not be understood that the writer sees nothing good in James J. Jeffries or his Thespic endeavors. While the Jeffrian 'Davy Crockett" might not cause the ghost of Frank Mayo to production that deserve special com mendation.
 In the first place Jeff was endowed by nature to play 'Davy." Every child in America has painted in his imagina- ton the stefling backwoodsman and the hero of the Alamo and when Jim JeffFies appeared on the Montgomery Theatre stage last night the audience recognized inst in the man before them, there was the voice of the picture of their fancy; there was certainly a physique that could hold in play a hundred Mexican soldiers and Jim Jeff fries wore the animal skins, products of his prowess with the rife even as Davy Crockett did
 There is food for reflection in Jeffries
 
 centrated study several years ago, he developed himself from being only a monster tower of strength to 8 boxer, who approaches Corbett in skill, 8 puncher, who has John L. Sullivan beaten in his palmiest days, and a fighting machine that can stand more punishment than Fitzsimmons. And Jim Jeffriea has not reached his thirtieth year.
 When Jeffries. to the surprise of all, defeated Fitzsimmons for the first time, an enterprislng manager of vaude- vilIe house paid him a big sum to be introduced nightly to the audience.
 All that was required and all that was expected was for Jef to smile. He did this well.
 Last night he proved to a Montgom- cry audience that the stamina that had made him the great figl ,er had been exercised in his production of "Davy' and instead of smiling he really acted.
 Jeffries is by no means a finished actor, but when he caused the audi ence to forget for even second that the man before them was the conqueror of conquerors and not the big hearted pioneer. he had achieved his purpose And this the audience did. At the con- clusion of the fourth act he responded
 
 There are two or three things about the production that Mayo never dream ed of. When "Davy" makes a fire in Jeffries production he does not split the wood with an axe. With his mighty hands he breaks the big pieces of timber and when the wolves storm his cabin. the arm which stuck through the latches is really strong enough to beat back any number of ''vvarmints."
 Jeffries has provided a fairly capa- ble company for his production, but the champion is really the show as is ex- pected.
 At the close of the performances, Jefr boxed three rounds with Tank Ken ney. former sparring partner of Fitz- simmons.
 Billy Delaney. the only man who has managed two champions, James J. Cor bett and James J. Jenrries acted as referee.
 The audience was better pleased with the play than the bout They watched with interest the marvellous quickness of the Titan. They watched his foot work and his clever ducking, but they longed to see those great biceps really in action.
 Kenney was accidentally hurt during the bout. He had made a vicious lead for Jeff's head. Up went the champions hand and his great strength was recog- nized. The arm of the champion came In contact with Kenney's wrist and the wrist fell helpless to Kenney's side
 After e few moments delay. the bout was resumed. but there was a spirit of taneness in 1t that the audience didn't want to see Jeffries display.
 The Marriage of Kitty" tonight.