Los Angeles herald., 1908-11-02
The Theaters
SARDOU'S CLEOPATRA
RECEIVES OVATION


performances before audiences which
filled the theater. At the matinee Flor
ence Stone, who played the name role
and Robert Morris, who staged the
play, were compelled to make speeches..
In the evening there was no speech
making, though this wasn't the fault
of the audience, applause continuing
without cessation during the entire IN
terval between the fourth and htth
acts.
The Sardou cleopatra" as presented
at the Burbank is a spectacle OF much
magnificence. The storm in act FIVE is
an achievement in stage craft, and the
arrival of Cleopatras barge in act one
stage picture of much beauty. In
point of costuming also the production
is worthy Of high praise.
Florence Stone followed Fannie pa
venport in this drama, and played 1t
ION the road in connection with other
Sardou plays for an entire season. Last
year she opened her season at Ifte
Auditorium in this same work. Her in
depreciation of the Egyptian queen, the
lure of whose embrace changed the
map of a world, is marked by admir-
able art; a clear cut conception OF the
character based upon an understanding
begot of study; and rare temperance
in the more emotional scenes, where
she displays a. power in repression that
is most noteworthy.
Last night her brief lamentation over
the body of dead Antony carried with
1t pang to many of her AUDITORS
Here, for a moment, she showed US the
woman, the woman whom we had seen
heetingly in earlier acts. minute
later the queen reasserted herself. Ana
then came the end, impressive and Dig
nified robbed of its repulsion, ana
making small appeal for sympathy.
The woman already was dead 1t was
the queen who suffered the adder
sting.
There are only three roles of much
importance in this play: Cleopatra,
Mark Antony and Kephron. The 9th
ers. though Of occasional advantage IN
the relation of the story, find their
chief use in the composition of br1lnant
stage pictures; pictures which make Oh
the work quite as much spectacle as
a drama.
William Desmond Is cast as Antony,
a role which displays him at his pest
Mr. Desmond never is so happy IN ms
acting as when he is called upon TO
portray just such a character: His An
tony is a man of commanding inquire
even in his subjugation to the ehtlce-
ments Of the Egyptian.
Mr.. Beasley's kephron is an au-
mirable Characterization, worthy of the
approval accorded it by last nights
audience. A picturesque bit is con-
tributed by Henry Stockbridge in the
small part of the messenger.
cleopatra" will continue through
the week. "Zaza," announced for next
week, again has been postponed, and in
stead the company will present IN the
Palace of the King" with Miss Stone
in the role created by Viola Allen.
Melodrama of numerous sensations
and innumerable thrills holds the
lc this weak The
play Is "The Four Corners of the
Earth" first presented locally at that
house yesterday afternoon, where IL
was enthusiastically received by
large audience which unanimously ap-
plauded the efforts of virtue to thWart
villainy and round1y Kissed the mach1-
nations of the villains.
IT has been long since a melodrama
of this type has been seen in Los An
geles. Killings are numerous. Both
hero and heroine are properly up
against it" for four and half acts,
and only even up scores in the END.
The heroine is most despitefully used.
Death in many guises confronts her at
Yevery turn, but the hero, johnnie on
the Spot, always intervenes to save ner
for still further dangers. Then, when
the hero gets himself into difficulties,
tl.A heroine plays the part OF the
avenger behind a siz-shooter.
AS q matter of course there is Jew
comedian who is in love with a yellow
haired soubrette; there are numerous
bad men under the leadership or
woman who is even worse. There IS
rascally Japanese priest, ,Bedouin
chief of lax morals and other 'contriv
ing gentry who combine to make things
unpleasant for the virtuous contingent.
Will Stantschi plays the heroic role,
and he's always on the Job, which is
exceedingly fortunate for the sadly
prosecuted heroine, portrayed by Jo-
sephine Worth. Carrie lie Moyne, an
actress who seemingly is worthy of bet
ter things than are provided her IN TINS
role. plays "Brazos ILL.," leader Of the
bandits. Sidney Shepard does good
work in Jew comedy part. and Jack
Hogan contributes a well read bit as a
Shinto priest.
The melodrama is effectively staged,
no fewer than eight scenes being
shown.
Tomorrow night election returns Will
be read from the stage as fast as they
are received, and unless the election
should prove to be closer than is ex-
pected it is quite likely the general re-
suit will be announced before the play
ends.
"a Knight for a Day." with Bobby
Barry as the masquerading knight, VIII
open an engagement of one week at the
Mason tonight.
At the Auditorium the Lewis S. Stone
company will present George Cohan's
sprightly comedy with music, Forty
five Minutes From Broadway" with
Mr.. Stone as Kid Burns and Florence
Oakley in the role of Mary.
Beginning tonight the Belasco will
present a revival of "Old Heidelberg"
A. H. Van Buren, assuming the role of
Prince Karl and Dorothy Bernard play
ing Kathie.
The usual new bills, opening with
matinee performances this afternoon,
are announced for the Orpheum, Los
Angeles and Empire vaudeville the
alters, and at Fischer's and the Unique.
TWENTY-SIX STORES ARE