The Washington times., 1906-05-01
COLUMBIA.
Clara Morris, Guy Standing, and John
Mason in "The IndiscretiOn
of Truth"
of Truth"

''The Indiscretion Of Truth." by J.
Hartley Manners. euthor Of "Zira," was
given its first presentation TO tie public
on the stage OF the Columbia Theater
last night before a large audience OF
first nighters. and started its career al
a pace with an artistic excellence that
during three acts completely eliminated
any reasonable grounds for adverse
criticism. The last act proved such a
remarkable let down that the audience
left the theater with its pleasant recOl-
lections Of the earlier hours OF the even
ing decidedly overelouded-
Fortunately the authors bad mistake
in judgment can be easily remedied and
undoubtedly will before the curtain goes
uD tonight 1t is reasonable 10 believe
that the managements desire to give
Clara Morris larger part than the play
logically furnishes was the occasion Of
dragging in her long speaking part
which. though excellently done, was en-
tirely unnecessary 10 the denouement OF
the story, and had the audience stirring
restlessly and swapping watches before
it was half over.
While the theme is old and has been
used many times in the recollection OF
even the younger generation, the play is
decidedly interesting. the plot during
three acts is eNcellently well worked
out, and the acting is, in the main. more
than good Curiously enough there were
no bitches or breaks which were 10 be
expected on a first night; notwithstand-
ing the few reheaTsals that have been
smoothly as though il had reached
Washington after a long run
The story, which is admittedly founded
on Wlkie Collins novel. Man and
Wife is too well known TO warrant re-
petition
Clara Morris plays the part of Judith
Grange. the old dumb housekeeper, who,
as result of an exciting death scene,
RECEIVERS her voice in the third act her
work was. Of course, most aruStlcduy
finished. At the end of every act she
received an ovation. John Mason has the
role OF Sir George Stirling His acting
was more than excellent. and quite up
to the high standard he set for himself
while with Mrs. Fiske in Leah
klcschna' and other artistic produc-
tons given recently by the Manhattan
CIV standing plays Bruce Darrell the
gentleman athlete in whom the natural
brute is but slightly covered with the
veneer of ariStOcraJic En~liSh breeding
II is another OF the ''gentlemanly VII
ainous'' roles in which Mr.. Standing
exCels and he plays IL right ND to
The limit of its possibilities. Frederick
ThOrne made decided hit as old Don
aid. the faithful and patriotic Scotch
servant JeffreyS Lewis makes Lady
Stirling, caricatUre. but IL is an anus
ng one nevertheless Dorothy Ham,
nond is the leading woman. playing the
itle role She does not put an alarm
ng amount Of expression and realism
n her work, but her natural attractions
over many deficiencies
The audience applauded the play en-
at the end of every act
,ut the last. When the curtain went
iOWn for the third time the house rose
o the occasion and gave the play. the
and the author sincere ova-
ion. Mr.. Standing responded with n
vord of thanks, and when the calls for
he author continued. Mr.. Manners mod
'stly rose from an obscure corner Of a
,ox and bowed his appreciation.
the Indiscretion of Truth with a
ewritten last act is a hit With A
equal TO the one presenting
t last night 1t should prove one OF next |
seasons successes.