Evening star., 1908-01-26


The play was the thing. To be
sure. Chauncey Olcott-"our
Chauncey-beloved alike of all
sorts and conditions of playgoers-the
most universally accepted singing come
den since Joseph X. Emmett sang his
way into the affections-to be sure,
Chauncey Olcott sang a few songs. but
they did not prevent his doing such dra-
matte deeds as TO forbid the classification
Of his show as lyric entertainment. The
week was devoted to Brains, with a cap
ital Il, largely represented by Mr.. Broad
hurst.
Mr.. Broadhurst's play, The Man of the
Hour" is an interesting and in some re-
spects important contribution to the stead
lily increasing list of productions dealing
with current interest
To those who saw '"The Lion and the
Mouse this play was like second help
ing OF the same course. not improved in
flavor by being allowed to stand. 1t shows
Il fine technical knowledge OF the stage.
II has "a plot sufficiently but never ex-
cessively. complicated characters which
are well drawn. climaxes which evoke
the correct thrill at the psychological mo-
and serious scenes. If household recipe
books should ever decide 30 include n
page or two of instruction on how to
write plays for family use they could not
do better than apply to Mr. Broadhurst
who knows the precise ingredients and
the exact proportions As an evening s
entertainment "The Man of the Hour
gives abundant satisfaction The dis
course has been animated, conflicts of
human will resolute and spectacular.
There is at the close of the performance
a feeling of hope and uplifting 1t seemed
so easy to dethrone boss and leave him
cringing before the stalwart righteous
ness of inexperienced zeal. The remedy
for these evils of graft is simple enough.
All that is needed is a youth in command
who knows absolutely nothing of politics.
1t is customary among many people to
imagine that because they have been en-
tertained. they have been benefited. In a
crtain sense this is true. for any surcease
from care is desirable. 1t is recommended
by the best physicians. But when a di-
dactic purpose is avowed or left to be in
ferred. it is desirable to analyze a bit in
stead of swallowing ready made concIu-
sionS. Optimism is a good thing but the
optimism that discards logic and appeals
Only to the emotions is usually the foun-
dation of bitter disappointment So much
quackery masquerades in the guise of re-
form that it is just as well to insist on a
Rure-food label, however delightful the
potion's temporary effect may be-
The control and towering figure in the
play is Horrigan He is the man of force
quick decision and power: the man who
foresees events and measures men. The
nero of the play is but the beneficiary OF
a chance flaw in Horrigan's armor. a
flaw which can be swiftly repaired and
one which could occur only as result OF
rarest combination of circumstances The
young hero so handsomely portrayed by
Orrln johnson, with all his personal forti
tude, with his willingness to sacrifice ever
the reputation of his deceased father il
order to defeat financial deal which /.
contrary to. d sound system of economies
with his readiness TO sacrifice even the
love of the woman to whom he is en-.
gagged, needs the help of trusted secre
tary who betrays the secrets of his EN-
ployer. Without this assistance all goot
intentions would have been for naught
And trusted secretaries who betray taeil
bosses are very scarce. If reform is de.
pendent on them, its future is obscure
The play itself casts down all th, struc.
ture of hopefulness by Horrigans con
temptuous and defiant remark when h,
finds himself exposed and defeated, to the
effect that he hasn't yet heard of any
rich men going 10 jail.
There is no doubt that man of Horri
gan's quality will triumph sooner or later
If left at large. The best then that thi:
and an engagement with a young woman
whose affections have hitherto been un-
stable. Any suggestion of practical value
that the play offers must be sought out
side its optimism. The theory that the
rosy-cheeked reformer has but to stanC
his ground in order to come out victorious
over the battlescarred CRATER is not sus
tanned. He wins in this case by chance
so perilously remotes that it cannot b,
depended on even by the most coura geous
The picture of corrupt and trucklins
Judiciary presented By the play is SO dis
heartening that the case Immediately II
hand seems of minor Importance. 1t i.
a bad dream which even the weddns
bells In the distance cannot dispel. Pleas
ant as the denouement is. on second
thought the problems touched upon BY
the play have not been solved Anc
there is no reason advanced from takine
the task OF this solution from the students
and intrusting it to the playwrights.
The Great Divide" Which enjoyed Z
highly prosperous week at the Belascc
is Il glorious lesson OF what repentance
may accomplish After one of the mos
violent and reprehensible first night rep
resentations this city ever witnessed, /,
started Immediately upon a career of re
form, and is now worthily rejoicing in the
approval of the best society.
PHILANDER JOHNSON
REALISTIC EEFECTS.-t'rom the time
when a kerosene lamp took the place o.
n candle to help make the moon for Ro
meo to adjure, stage managers have
strained their imaginations and exhaust
I'd their resourcefulness to get the effect
of reality in stage properties. Person.
who are not yet tottering octogeAarian.
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