The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-12-13
ADJUSTMENTS

Walker Whiteside's work in the
character of "Helmar,' the title role
Blood" is most brilliant achieve
ment, in fact as brilliant an achieve
ment in the realms of Thespis as has
been seen in Topeka in years. White
side has played bin Topeka before.
But the Whiteside of yester year is
not the Nfhiteside of today. The
Whiteside of today is a most finished
actor and one who is destined to oc-
cupy a pre-eminent place, and more
likely the really pre-eminent one. on
the English speaking stage.
This is a feature that was predict
ed for Mr.. Whitteside number of
who occupied place in the foremost
ranks of the theatrical writer's in this
country. Hillary Bell saw the sparks
of genius in Walker Whiteside, and
while other men high in the ranks of
critics were wont to scott at Whiteside
and to make fun of Bell for his judg-
ment in this one particular. Mr.. Bell
stood firm in his predictions and these
predictions have been fulfilled.
Yes, more than fulfilled. for Walker
Whiteside is looked upon with good
reason today as one of the shining
lights on the stage% More than that
distinction and with continued health
and strength granted him, he is
bound to place his work and name
on such a plane that the keeper of
among the remarkable actors of the
present age the name of Walker
Whiteside.
If there is anything in the homely
but expressive adage that it takes
fool to play the fool surely it must
take a genius to depict a genius. That
is what happens in the presentation
of The Claim of Blood" by Walker
being a vioIinist whose rare genius is
unknown. He attracts the attention
of the ward of one of Americas kings
of finance. Through her guardian
"Helmar'' gets an opportunity to play
before a powerful audience whose
stamp of approval assures him sue
cessful career. He does not finally
get this opportunity until he has
rightly proclaimed himself to the
financial baron as his son. his mother
having been a famous opera singer IN
Germany, whom the financier married
while he was at school there and
whom he deserted during an hour of
her affection. But "Helmar'' scorns
any aid that his father might have
been disposed to give him except tho
opportunity to make a reputation for
himself. Neither would he assume
his rightful name. He went his way
and the father went his, but "Helmar"
took with him his fathers ward whom
the old gentleman had intended to
even the man he had in mind had
made this impossible at the eleventh
hour by clipping with another Ameri-
can girl.
Almost every line of the play, every
situation developed and every climax
reached. seems to afford Mr.. White
side all sorts Of opportunities for
display of his marvellous abilities.
There is a subtlety about his acting
which has a great charm. In humor.
in pathos and in force Mr.. Whiteside
is equally able and his acting last
night was a rare treat for the small
audience which attended the perform
ance. Once again the statement is
pertinent that Topekans pass the good
shows by. They never think OF turn
ing out in numbers, except on most
rare occasions, unless the production
is of the light musical comedy order
or of the slapstick sort OF theatrfcals.
1t may be unjust to say that they can
not appreciate a good theatrlcaI pro-
duction but that is what 1t LOOKS like.
Mr.. Whiteside is surrounded this
season by a most capable company,
of which the best work is accomplish
ed by Herbert Sears, as Jordan Raw
kerr the capitalist, and MISS Martina
George, as Mrs. Zellner. an old frau
who made her home the resting place
of budding and wornout genluses.
One of the most delightful stories
of modern life which has oeen put on
the stage is that developed IN Two