The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-03-05
Hans Robert I'm Checkers" Warmly
Received at the Columbia.

Quite "A touch OF local enthusiasm was
evidenced at the Columbia Theater last
evening on the occasion Of the second ap-
p-arance in Washington of Henry NJ.
Blossom. jr.'s stirring racing comedy,
Checkers. The two leading male roles
OF the piece were portrayed by Washing
ton actors-Mr Hans Robert and Mr..
Wallace Worsley-and 20 them every en-
Icouragement was given by the large and
appreciative audience
The long success which Checkers" has
enjoyed has not been undeserved. In IL
the public has found material well worthy
Iof its attention. Bright and catchy from
the first. and developing story which
holds the listener with intensity. the play
sometimes forgets to pile exciting scene
upon exciting scene. and delves into the
humorous. and even the romantic.
Throughout the play runs a delicate.
love story that serves to hold the listener S
sympathy. and TO win for the leading man
the very best wishes Of all who watch
While Checkers" is essentially q char
acter comedy. very cIeverly drawing pic
lures Of the races, and those who follow
them, Il yet has story to tell. and last
evenings audience seemed most eager for
its unfolding. Principal among its char
acters is Checkers himself, from whom
the play gets its name.
He proves TO be an altogether likable
young man. with a fondness for the
ponies" but his life suddenly takes
right-about when he meets Miss Pert
Barlow. and he concludes there is some
thing in the world worth fighting for.
Giving up his former haunts. he finds en-
ployment in a country store in the home
town Of his lady fair Things run on
smoothly for nearly an act. only to be
brought TO a rude conclusion by the stern
and money-grasping father. who will have
none Of his prospective son-in-law IT.
nally the austere parent IS made ID agree
to his daughters marriage with tie man
Of her selection. provided the groom-to-b
succeeds in earning 5000 before the end
Of the tWelvemonth. Strong In his deter
minatiou. Checkers starts forth to con-
quer the world. Two months time finds
him still far from a millionaire. and the
fates lead him once more to the race
track. BY accident ic learns the secret
Of the coming race. and realizes his for
tune is made If he can bat secure a
small sum TO back his horse. How he
does so-how the animal wins bringing
him the coveted thousands, and. best of
al, the girl he is striving to be worthy
Offs told amid the tremors of the specta-
tors When It is all over one breatns
again. and is quite satisfied
The personal work of MIR. Robert was
most acceptable His friends were every
where. After the third act he was called
before the curtain, presented with several
huge floral tributes, and forced to respond
in clever speech Of thanks Mr..
Worsiey, while not fitted with so con
genial role, made the most Of his oppor-
tunities. and gave "A finished presentation
OF Arthur Kendall. As Push Miller, Mr.
Dave Brahm, jr., scored the comedy lift
of the evening, and his appearance upon
the stage was always the signal for merri-
ment. Also Charles Willard contributed
most suCc. ssful character sketch as
Uncle Jerry, and Robert Craig gave a
small BIT in manner which won hearty
applause
OF the women Of the cast Miss Paula
Gloy carried off first hOnors By the simple
and sincere presentation she gave Of