The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-11-01
ADJUSTMENTS.
Al the Jefferson.

| T., .,rha Dnel,, presented at the JeHef- son last night there were no expiosiVe shots m gaping wounds, no fussy sur geons It was a metaphysical duel--a contention between passions and mental forces, but it was almost as deadly hrsI and last as the more bloody sort
 It canont be said of the play last night thai if conveyed highly moral lessons only. In the first place a Duke was pre- sented who was so bestial that he became insane. and is treated by physician who falls in love with the Duchess. She ressts after a fashion, but there is Vir- tuaI reciprocity. The physician, however, has a brother who is a priest rms makes up the personnel of the metaphysi- cal duel. The priest fights Tor the soul of the wife, while the physician hghts TOT full possession. The duel between the i two brothers vitalizes the play until the priest himself falls under the personal charms of the Duchess. This puts an end to the duel, but this occurs as the nlav rushes to it's dramatic conclusion. Tbare are many words of explanation at this point. but words become unnecessary when the insane Duke throws himselt out of a window, thus going to his death; the priest hurries away voluntarily to leper colony where he does penance, leaving the nbvslcian and the Duchess happy and victorious.
 Ii is scarcely possible to defend a play that holds up to public approval lover who loves the wife of another man, or or | attentions or anotber man while her own husband IS living, and the clearing away Of the dark 1 features of the plot at the end do not atone for It's ethical shortcomings in Its l first stages.
 Otis skinner played the part of the priest last night, and he did it grace fulIy. and at times forcefully, but the [ part lacked the romantic qualities that 1 this popular actor excels in. He was i freely appauded, but he did not appeal l to the heart as he has in other roles in i past seasons. Not that he did not make the most of his part, for he did, but the role itself did not bring out the actors best efforts. No one can say he did not act up to his lines. It should simply be 1 said that the priestly part does not en- able the excellent playwright to reach the limit of an audience.
 i Walter Hitchcock presented the other party to the duel, pr. Mercy, and he did it in straightforward manner, winning considerable sympathy and attention. | Miss Keith Wakeman, as the Duchess i de Challes was handsome, majestic and charming. She has many advantages in voice. manner and person. In the scene l with the physician at the end of the i first act she was exceedingly effective, and at no point in the play was her DOT 1 trayal of the part weak or insufficient.
 Charles Wacot as Monseigneur Bolene, | the Bishop, prseented a fine piece of act ing. The remainder of the company were acceptable, and the play moved along last night smoothly and satisfactorily. | The house was filled to the last seat.
 MT. Skinner is favorite In Birmingham
 and the time has come when he should not confine himself to a single entertain
 ment He should see to it that Birming-
 ham is placed on his list of two-night stands. He was called before the curtain
 twice last night.