The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-01-29
blanche Bates a. '.'The Girl of the
Golden West" at the BeIascO.

The Girl Of the Golden West" re-
turned last night to the Belasco. the
tEeater in which 81 first saw the light be-
fore it began its remarkable run I'm New
YOrk-a run so successful, so heaped with
encomiums. and so universally heralded
that scarcely anthing remains unsaid that
could add TO its luster OF increase its. pop
ularity.
The expression Of CRITICAL opinion upon
the merits OF this play cannot but be
superfiuous at this late date. hut never
theless the fact is that IN The Girl OF
the Golden West" MI Belasco has not
only made great strides in his own career
as the constructor Of dramas. but in it
has struck decided American chord Il
is bold, graphic, and viriIe picture Of
life as many men who live to-day can
remember 1.-THE forty-niners fighting for
their gold, drinking to deaden their home
memories, killing their opDosers. and. as
the girl herself says. all striving for the
same ideal-a woman. maybe. or a child.
The genius Of Mr.. BeIasco has put be-
fore Us in this play the characters Of
Bret Harte IN all their native majesty.
and conjured up from the storehouse of
MS own experience an atmosphere that
holds the spectator speubouEd.
Miss Blanche Bates gave most finished
and artistic portrayal A girl of the West
herself, Miss Bates is the ideal actress
for role which runs the whole scale Of
emotions, and which Is painted with the
most vivid coloring. She is never hoyden-
fish h-fr
girl from the start, and even in the scenes
Of rushing passion that are enacted. she
maintains a true, womanly graciousness
and an air Of fragrant freshness. She has
risen to her opportunities like the true ar
list that she is, and deserves the praise
for her portrayal of the girl with which
she has been showered.
Frank keenan, continues I'm his master
ful Interpretation of Jack Rance. the
sheriff. Ii is "a legitimate character study
Of the highest possible order. He and
Miss Bates make the game of cards Il
scene not easily forgotten. and the Incl
dent Of the blood dripping from the rafrers
OF the girls cabin was watched with
breathless enthusiasm. Repression is III.
Keenan's watchword. yet he dominated
his every scene.
The cast, which is a long one. is repIete
with excellent actors. Charles Minward.
who is playing Ramerrez. the road agent.
this season. is an Improvement in the
role. He gives q romantic touch TO the
part OF the stranger, who wins the girls
first kiss. and Is apparently alive 10 the
exacting requirements OF the character
Including Thomas McGrane as Nick,
Roberto Deashon as Joe. Horace Jane. as
Sidney, James KiTkwoOd az Sonora Slim.
and Francis tanning as Billy Jaclrabbit.
an Indian, the entire company may be
claSsed as excellent
The dramatic value OF a play in which
the excitement is kept at the boiling point
through three acts IS enormous. owing to
the rarity OF such plays upon our stage
Of to-day, and people with whom thrills
do not agree viii find little consolation in
THE Girl Of the Golden West"
The mounting Of the play IS splendidlv
adequate. embracing u decidedly realistic
snowstorm, and the easily recognizable
Belasco touches are evident throughout.
leaving little to be desired from a me-
chanical standpoint. A pleasant inno4a-
ton was the singing by quartet dur
ing the entr'actes Of songs of 40 and
songs Of the Golden West.