New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-13

olo-tin1e actors In order to maintain the youth
Vi the priest Cor so 1t appears he pitches his tones
somewhat high, and thus he makes the vocalism
ihsiheere' His voice, naturally is very rich and
sympathetic The line OF light paint down the
priests nose. placed there in order to straighten
that feature.-which is quite unnecessary-is too
strong and becomes Disagreement. In the re-
Duke 10 the agnosto brother Mr.. Skinner rose 10 a
hoDle heisht OF solemnity, and, at the time
OF Vrtuous passion. Mr.. Standing as DR. Morey
gives excellent observation-disclosures definite
self -eontained direct. simple. and true The part
is easy to understand. but exceedingly hard 10 act
for the reason that it must supply the whole
motive force Of the action. Miss Fay Davis
whose acting is OF the steel-clad copper
fastened variety. her best of action
and facial expression. while listening to DR..
Moneys avowal of his love- and revealing the
woman's fear of her own weakness and of not be-
Ing able 10 conceal the actual state of her feelings
and likewise in her fervent reproaches Of the Doc
tor and her tumultuous. contradictory denials Of
all affection for him. Miss Davis. however. gives
the impression Of being a self-contained. self-cen-
tired. resourceful woman. with a perfectly matter
of-faet mind. and therefore the actress is ovt of
sympathy with the character of the Duchess, and
does not make it credible. AT all important points
the performance is declamatory-oppresse with
elocution-the speeches being delivered If by
rote and not spoken If then uttered for the
first time Moreover there is nothing in the per
sonality of the Duchess TO account for all the
pother that the men make about her or that
she makes about herself Mr. Plymptor,
Bishop Bolene shows the advantages of profess
sional knowledge and experience. The fortitude,
sweetness. calm wisdom and gentle sagacity of the
Bishop If not absolutely realized. clearly indi
Gated. There subtle, fine touches in 1t, espe-
ciay OF ecclesiastical gesture and there are vocal
infections Of peculiar significance: and, although
the makeup is far hirsute lmOre suggestive OF
old Malice than of a Roman Catholic bishop the
rigure and bearing gracious and venerable.
This is the interesting character in the
play-enbodying manliness. gentleness, kindness,
sense, and latent tone of playful humor- The
other parts are feeders An abominable anatomical
picture Is displayed in the first act which ought TO
be excluded. Realism is not dramatic art: and
this attempt it is foolish, because no specialist
in nervous disease would decorate his consulting
room with a picture calculated to distress his
patients. The scenery is appropriate-suited TO the
subject and the persons-but too new. being def
Client of mellow tone. There frequent applause,
and after the second curtain Mr. Skinner responded
to a call for a speech. in which he was understood
10 say that Charles Frohman's heart had been
deeply touched and thank God for the accept
ance OF the drama Of argument on Broadway.
Il am glad. said DR.. Johnson, on a kindred occa-
sion of misdirected devotion. that he has the grace
to thank God for anything