New-York tribune., 1908-08-19
THE BELASCO THEATRE. :,

| The Belasco Theatre was reopened last night.
and Harrison Grey Fiske presented there his YER
sion of The Devil powerful play that held the
attention of numerous audience from the rise OF
the first act until il fell the last
George Arliss impersonated the leading character
in it. no less parsonage than the Devil himself
A less capable actor might have turned the repre-
sentation into burlesque. Mr.. Arliss gave an
impersonation of the Devil that at once dig
nifed, and even, because of its art. attractive
There can be no doubt that one-half the auolence
pleasantly surprised at having its first notion
OF THE DeviI' dissipated.
Instead of a blasphemous drama, the audience
beheld virile representation of the frailties OF
human nature painted in varied colors by a cum
ming master. THE Devil is a morality play of the
highest order. It is the first thoughtful represen-
taton the season, and discussion OF It's
merits play and of the moral it imparts must
be deferred until later date. 1t is only neces-
sary to record here that it created profound IN
preston.
There are three acts. and in each Ferenc MOI
mar has boldly set forth in dialogue and actions
the passions of the human SOUL all through the
Devil appears to be laughing at the very weak
nesses he has portrayed. The plot Is not a mover
nor 4 striking one but it is deftly worked out An
artist is in love with beautiful wife of wealthy
merchant She too. loves but fears to express her
passion The Devil appears on the stage "lthhl
five minutes after the curtain has gone up and
quits it IN the last act. when his work IS accom-
pHshed. The artist hesitates-
The merchants wife. Jolan, hopes to bury her
own passion by seeming to approve Of his mar
riage to frivolous young creature named Wilma
She is already aware that he has befr1enoed a
model but that incident in the artists life only
ouickeued her desire to him the husband OF
Wilma The Devil, the disguise of benign
philanthropist, gradually enters the lves OF tne
artist and Jolau They fear him at first but come
tn like his manners and eventually fall into the
patb he had planned for them. There are several
dramatic incidents in the progress of this play
notably in the second and the last acts The I'M
pefns figure however is that of the ever-present
ptiIanthropist He is here there; in the studio at
2 in the afternoon. and at midnight the Wonoer
of a grand assembase attending a reception given
by Jolan's husband.
she is almost beside herself with joy She has
calmly assured herself that the storm IS passed
that once she has in her possession certain com
rn11nication she had written at the dictatIon OF
the benevolent philanthropist there would be n"
recurrence of temptation.
She found there the same gentleman who
had surprised her In the place only few
hours before. She told him of her determination.
She was anxious TO know If he had given the com
7771,nication To Sander The Devil said he had
not and for a moment she happy Within
five minutes she had told in her own language,
what she had written at the Devils dictation. Then
that arniabie gentleman recalled that he had not
presented her letter TO Sander. Would he do 50
now The curtain is falling when the lovers leave
the studio arm arm When it hides half ths
audience there is only one figure the stage, the
dominant character Of the play the benevolent gen
tleran of the world. the Devil Hamilton Revele
was Sander. and Grace Eliston Joian. The act
ins OF the entire company was effective and the
play was staged and presented in manner that
reflected credit on Mr.. Fiske and those associated
with him