The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-10-21
"The Little Ducheas.v


 Countess Olga von Hatzfeldt is com ing to the Montgomery Theatre Friday 1 night with her splendid company of singers. dancers and comedians in the famous musical, girlicaI comedy, "rhe Little Duchess in which she is mak- ! ing her second successful tour as a star.
 ] This clever offering broke the record in attendance at the Ca. .ino in New York.
 i The principal quality -nar brought such overwhelming success to "The Little Duchess was its originality. It was the first Nof the Broadway produc- tions to introduce show girls in long gowns. Who does not remember the famous Sadie Girls in their splendid Parisian toilettes, designed by the most exclusive costumiers of the French capital: or the familiar Fenc- ing Girl, who has been photographed and reproduced over and over again, on everything from sofa pillows to ad- vertisements: and likewise the pic turesQue bathing girls Scentined with ! this production?
 l The entire equipment 0. scenery ana i costumes has been rebuilt and reJu- venated for the present season. and 1 will be seen here with the Countess Olga von Hatzfeldt ana ner excellent company. including Robert Lett, the popular comedian. and fifty others. A Relic of Jesse James. ! Jewell Kelley. proprietor and man ager of The Jesse James" company, which comes to the Bjou Theatre for three nights and Wednesday matinee. starting tomorrow, was one of the
 first producers of this play and has made a study of the character of the once noted outlaw.
 MT. Kelley says that he believes Jesse Jamc., was the nerviest man { that ever lived and facts fail to show where once the great outlaw ever lost his nerve and in moments of danger when facing death he appeared calm and fearless.
 MT. Kelley. leading man of the com- pany. ,' ho will play the part of Jesse James, possesses a relic of the late noted desperado which he prizes very 1 highly-a belt and scabbard once the property of the famous outlaw. It Is | the same belt and scabbard which was | found in the room at St. Joe, Mo, at the time Jesse James was assassinated ! by Bob Ford. The property was hand . ed down to the present young Jesse James now residing in Kansas City. Some three years ago while Mir. Kel- ley was playing Jesse James" in a | big production in Kansas City, young Jesse James witnessed a performance | or the play from a box. Being a per- sonal friend of Mir. Kelley and admir- ing the manner in which his father was so faithfully presented by the actor he made Mr. Kelley a present of the highly prized property. The belt | and scabbard will be worn during the presentation of the play during the company's engagement this week. | "The Rose of the Rancho.-
 True to his custom to share no con | hdences with anyone regarding the new play on which he IS at work until l he is ready to proceed with the re- | hearsals, David Belasco reserved the announcement of the latest product of his pen until last week, when his company assembled, and each member received his part from the hands of the playwright-manager and the title was given out as The Rose of the | Rancho" Although absolute secrecy has been maintained regarding 1t. elaborate preparations have been go- 1 Ing on for some time, and in all es- | sentials it promises one of the strong est offerings that Belasco has made. | There will be no star. but the play | will be presented by an exceptionally strong cast. The Rose Of the Ran | cho" is the joint work of MT. Belasco and Richard Walton Fully.
 | In accordance with MT. Belasco's in- | variable policy, nothing Is told in ad- vance of the plays story and little of Its subject beyond the brief statement that The Rose of the Rancho" treats of the American invasion of Spanish California in the late ffties.
 It is interesting to note that the play was produced last season by stock company in a Western town un- der the title of 'Juanita." The author brought it East and submitted it to MT. Belasco, who saw possibilities in the general subject and undertook an arrangement for its rewriting. This has been done, ana the play Is now Of fered as The Rose of the Rancho" Rehearsals began last week at the Be- lasco Theatre under Mir. Belasco's per- ance will occur at the Majestic The which the play will come to the Re- the season of Miss Blanche Bates in "The Girl of the Golden West" As suggested the names in tAe cast are deserving of special attention, for stronger organization rarely has been brought together than that chosen by MT Belasco tor the new work. Among the more distinguished players will be found Hamilton Rev ellie, Charles Richman, Frank Losee, John w. Cope, J. H. Benrimo. Frank IT. Westerton, Gilmore scott, William Eliot, Wayne Arcy, Norpert Sill. Cir gilio Arriaza. Grace Gayier Clark, Ma ria Davis, Frances Starr. Jane Cowi