davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05
"The Follies of 1907.

For those who prefer tie foam on the
top Of the glass TO the good rich brew
underneath. The Follles of 1907 and its
multiple kindred constitute the theater.
1T is the best show of the season, quoth
several OF its ardent admirers last week,
and 40 one felt equal 10 denying IL in
face Of the overwhelming evidence. For
what other show this season has played
a return engagement What other show
has offered its chorus girls for inspection
at close range? What other show has
been the subject Of town talk from Sep
tember until April? What other show
masquerades. without the vestige of a
plot or the faintest echo Of a score. as a
musical comedy? And these are the stan
dards nowadays by which measurements
are taken.
Farther down Pennsylvania avenue than
the National Theater. at the prescribed
~stag houses. they run, week after week,
hodge-podges Of burlesque. variety. and
knoek-about comedy. Of which class THE
FolIies OF 1907 is but more pretentious
representative. The principal difference
between the tw0-dollaT ''FolIies" and the
sta house" show seems to be in the
money and care spent upon its produc-
tion. Money buys fine costumes, elabo-
rate scenery. and hires better people. pro-
vided they are available. But the songs
are the same, the jokes are the same. In
deed, il is doubtful whether the two-dol-
lar audience doesn't stand for little
more that is risque or downright sugges-
tive
OF course, in theaters OF a certain class
chorus girls or other members of the
company could not venture into the aisles
without grave danger of creating a dis
turbance or melting the house TO riot, and
the singing Of songs to the occupants of
boxes. with accompaniment of winks,
glances. and inviting gestures, could not
be carried of with the same harmless re-
suits as is done in "The FoIlies of 1907 in
theaters where ladies and gentlemen
gather. The better audiences view the
antics of the participants in these revels
with indulgence and amused interest and
d'smss them from their minds as typical
Of the degraded taste Of the times
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05
Mr.. Leslie Harris.

An entertainment of a form that has
for years been popular in London. but
which has never taken very well in this
country was given at the Columbia The
ater last Thursday by Mr. Leslie Harris.
II is not an easy task for one man TO
keep an audience interested and amused
fer two hours, even with the aid of
grand plano but that is what Mr. Harris
does and his style OF entertainment is so
unique, interesting, and amusing that Il
deserves more than passing notice
Leslie Harris is a mueh-gifted man
Tie has a good singing voice of wide
range: he tells a good story, and tells
it well; and when he gives musical ac-
compartment, as he does 10 some OF. his
stories. they are inimitable. He is pos
sessed. also. Of great dramatic ability.
and undoubtedly would have made a fine
actor had he chosen the dramatic stage
for his career; and in addition he is a
mus ician OF me quality. His entertain
ment is varied: it runs from grave to
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05
TRIBUTE TO MRS GILBERT.
Miss Marie DOro Tells of Good Ex-
ample Set by "Grnnny.n


Miss Marie Doro. who appears as a star
at the National Theater tomorrow night.
pays a loving tribute to dear old Mrs.
Gilbert one of the most loving Of stage
people Miss Doro played with her in
Granny the play in which Mrs Gil
bert appeared just before her death
She was like a loving mother to all of
us" said Miss Doro. "and some Of we
younger people OF the stage should be
Just a little ashamed Of ourselves when
we think of what wonderfully grand
woman she was For example. picture
her when we we're playing one-night stands
and had early calls 10 catch trains. Do
YOU know she never had to be called.
not II the hours were or o'clock i'm
the morning. Then she would. in her
motherly way. come to my room. awaken
me, help me TO dress. as though / were
her spoiled child, and even want to carry
my grip to the train. Just think Of that.
Wasn't she really wonderful?"
You mention to Miss DOrO that common
report has it that she once graced the
chorus with her charms. and the little
iady's eyes express delicious amusement.
No she explains. Il never was in the
chorus. but I wish l had been. The credit
for rising would be the greater. There
are many such examples. and / think It
would be a performance TO be rather
proud Of
Miss Doro charges the chorus report to
her association with musical comedies.
Before taking up dramatic work she had
been featured in the West I'm The Run
away Girl" and THE Circus Girl" To-
day, were you to ask her. she would sit
at the piano and delight you with
rendition Of a little Bit Of String" or
'The Boy Guessed Right the Very First
Time" From these musical shows, she
graduated to Sam Bernard's company.
playing in The Girl from Kay's." and.
as previously related, she next appeared
in Little Mary" After Little Mary
came a part, with Gillette, in THE Ad-
miTable Crichton' Then followed Fri
quet;' then the lead. with William Col
lier. in The Dictator" a part with Mrs
Gilbert, in Granny" then "Clarice.'' -
with Gillette again, and then stardom.
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05
His Honor the Mayor. +"

His Honor. the Mayor has several
good points. One is the entire lack of
pretension. Neither on the programme
nor in the manner of presentation does
there appear any suggestions of comic
opera, musical play: nor is even any ego
tistical originality hinted at. which. by
the way, is in itself something refreshing
in these days of exuberant fancy as re-
CARDS such matters. 1t is simply Il me-
lange of vaudeville specialties. and as
such offers abundant opportunity for
evaporescent amusement. especially in
the final part, the acuteness of which is
prepared for and accentuated by the
tameness Of the beginning.
Another commendabie feature. perhaps
the most admirable one of tho production,
is the cleanness OF both comedy and sltu-
alton. The former may clearly all come
within the province of the slap-stick art
ist and the clown, but there Is no smut
or other marks Of sensuality. The latter
may be so trifing as to approximate moth
ingness, but there Is likewise a noticeable
absence of suggestiveness. We say no
ticeable because the vast majority of this
class of plays are conspicuous in the re-
verse regard. and the few exceptions are
truly noteworthy; therein lying the text
for the present dissertation.
If this hodge-podge could be put to-
gether and become capable of furnishing
q moderate amount of trifing amusement,
why cannot the same virtue pertain to all
of its kind? All are composed of the
same elemental constituents and all aim
at achieving the same result. Does the
frivolous necessarily have to be vulgar. or
is the lower sense Of human diversion
irrevocabiy tinetured with an off-shade
Of sentiment? II these questions can be
truly answered in the affirmative. the
American stage and the tastes Of the
American public are certainly reduced 70 a
low level, and without sublime faith we
can discover no prospect Of a rOseate fu-
ture. Our view, however, IS very much
to the contrary. The wholesome in com
edy can be every bit as refreshing as the
coarse and sensual. and il may not be out
of place to compare the two forms OF
musical comedy with the two latter-day
forms OF straight plays which are being
S@ploittur one optlSmistlc ana eleNaung
/ In character and the other morbid and
/ full of disgusting sexual problems. There
/ is no question as TO which atmosphere
should prevail in both instances. ''The
/ Servant in the House" is bound 10 leave
a better taste than The Comet" and
/ His Honor the Mayor" although less
aeutely amusing perhaps. is certainly. il
this is the least that can be said. empow-
cred to do less harm than the other class
Of light production
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

Mr.. Leslie Harris. whose recital at the
Columbia Theater last Tuesday afternoon
was one Of the really artistic events Of
the musical season here, viii again ap-
pear tonight. under the management of
T. Arthur Smith. Mr. Harris. at the
piano and away from 1t, is always enter
tanning. His representations are accurate.
and his limitations and caricatures sufi-
ciently amusing to keep his audience in
a round of laughter. His arrangement Of
The Merry Widow waltz. "as It might
have been played by Mozart. Mendels-
sohn. Chopin, Wagner. and Sousa." is
decidedly unique, and compels admiration
for his remarkable insight into the hu-
morous possibilities Of the burlesqung Of
the great composers. The programme for
tonight will be entirely new, and will in
clude much that is responsible for his
great name in England.
Mr. Harris win give another recital
next Sunday evening. then concluding a
series that will be hard to equal by
others who lay claim to ability as enter
tainers. The box-office Of the Columbia
will be opens at 1 O'Clock to-day for the
advance sale Of tickets.
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05
,iOTES OF THE STAGE.

Ethel Jackson is again on the sick list
and has been compelled 10 retire from the
east Of The Merry Widow.
Henry T. Dixey intends TO make
spring tour OF THE Man on the Box,
and is now selecting a company
Tyrone Power has ambitions TO play
Macbeth. and it is likely that Henry
Miller viii make a production for him.
Beatrice Noyes, a new star discovered
by Frank Burt. is TO start her tour next
week in Providence in Molly Bawn."
The company which PLAYED Until We
Meet Again has disbanded and several
more good actors are on the market.
Florenz Ziegfeld will have a woman's
orchestra on the New York Roof. thus
avoiding any conflict with the Musical
Union.
There is a new song In The Soul Kiss"
called Under the Bargain Tree" 1t IS
the work Of Harry B. Smith, with music
by Maurice Levi
The Cater Stock Company have a thrill
ing play called The Cowboy Sheriff" tt
almost caused a riot at Saginaw. Mich.
the other evening
Margaret Ellington IS to star a year
from September under the Frohman man
agcment. She viii appear annually at
the Lyceum Theater-
Barney Fagsn, the vaudeville comedian.
was at one time a famous minstrel. and
as a clog dancer he has never had an
equal. II was Pagan who invented ped
estal clogging.
Henry B. Harris has accepted new
play by Edith Ellis Baker. called THE
Nebraskan.' which will be brought out
next September with Edmund Breese ele-
waited to the stellar ranks.
Forbes Robertson brought out a new
play IN Edinburgh, Scotland. called Tile
High Bid" the work of Henry James
il is a three-act comedy, and contains an
excellent part for Gertrude Elliott
Charles Frohman has cabled Marie Doro
permission TO play The Morals OF Mar
Gus next season in those cities she could
not visit this year because Of her forth
coming temperance on the London stage
Clyde Fitch. the author Of Tier Sister. 4"
Ethel Barrymores play this year, has
sailed for London to submit to Charles
FrOEman the scenario of new play he
Cuntemplates writing for Miss Barrymore.
II has been decided by Charles Froh-
man TO have Joseph Coyne and Alexan-
der Carlisle open the season Of the Gar
rick Theater next September in The
Molluse,'
Work and Owe. are a team Of English
pantomimists that came 10 this country
expecting 10 remain but ten weeks. and
that have had their engagement extended
to forty because of the hit they have
made.
Amy Shaffer Barrymore. who appears
as the leading lady in Her Mad Mar
riage at the Majestic this week. scored
a decided hit in New Haven, Conn, with
the college boys. They make it a rule to
break up every show that comes along.
but became so impressed with Miss Bar
rymore's acting and the work of her clev-
e. company that they did not even try 10
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05
PLAYS AND PLAYFOLK.

Mr.. Gilbert Proctor. the genial treas
urer Of the Majestic, has just fallen heir
TO $1,000, a large ranch. and hotel in
Aberdeen, S. Oak, left to him by an
uncle who died recently. Mr. Proctor is
so pleased with the show busns SIS. how
ever having been In that occupation since
a small boy that he refuses absolutely 20
give up his present position He will
spend the summer months inspecting his
property,
Miss Beatrice Forbes Robertson, who
viii appear here with Marie Doro in The
Morals of Marcus, is the niece of John
Forbes Robertson, who appeared at the
New National last season in Antony and
Cleopatra" and Hamlet" in Miss Doro' s
support this season she appears as Judith
Mainwaring. whom readers Of THE Nor
ais of Marcus OTdeyne' viii remember
as one of the most interesting characters
of the story.
Mr.. Frederick Burton, who is appearing
in London with the successful production
of Mrs. Wigs Of the Cabbage Patch, .
has been engaged by Mr. Henry w. Saw
@Ef ~ FtnN A4tt ANtE VI buD IIlfkS n
the London production of 1.-THE College
Widow" which opens at the Adelphi
Theater on April 20 Mr.. Burton origi-
mated But" Hicks in the original pro-
duction Of Mr.. George AIDES comedy mas
terpiece in America.
Paul Armstrong, author OF "The Heir
10 the H0orah" and "Salomy Jane" and
eo-author with Rex Beach OF Going
Some the new farce which LiebIer G.
Co will produce at the Belasco Theater
during the coming two weeks has a
somewhat biting tongue, and that is put
ting II very mildly Recently he attended
a performance at a weil-known and very
fashionable Broadway playhouse. A star
Who Is noted for his perfect drawing
room manner, and who will be known
here merely as Mr. Blank, was starring
IN the play. Between the acts some one
asked Armstrong what he thought Of
Blank as an actor. Why. he isn't an
actor was the instantaneous reply.
He's a habit"
Walter Hale who is playing in "The
Wolf'' az the BelascO this week. will
leave for an automobile tour through
Spain and France with Dustin Farnum
at the conclusion of the run Of the play
in New York. They will use a 35-horse-
power Studebaker runabout. and will go
as far south as Andalusia where Mr..
Hale is 10 gather material In the noun
tain districts for a magazine story ABOUT
Viyilio, the last Of the Spanish bandits.
whose extradition is demanded by Spain
from the Argentine Republic This viii
be Mr. Hale's ffth motor tour IN Europe.
His wife, Louise Closer Hale, has been
describing their experiences in Harper 5
Magazine and Outing and on his return
he viii deliver a series Of lectures cover
ing Spain. France, Italy, and England,
which viii be Illustrated with motion pic
lures and reproductions Of his pen-and-
ink drawings Of picturesque places along
the road.
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

There viii be concerts tonight at sew
eral of the theatsrs- At the Belasco The
ater special feature win be moving pic
lures of the Passion Play. At the Acade-
my there viii be a musical programme,
moving pictures and illustrated songs.
At the Majestic there win be moving pic
lures. interspersed with several vaude-
vile features. while al the Gayety there
viii be more moving pictures Of the Pas
sion Play and other subjects.
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05
POrtrays an Actual Experience.

Ruth Hart, as Nellie Graham in THE
Clansman' portrays part taken from
the actual experience Of a member Of her
family. She Is Of South Carolina stock.
and hCr mothers sister while a young
girl, was taken at her own request into
the service Of the Ku-klux Khan, swore
the oath, and rode as the messenger OF
the South Carolina khan to their Tarheei
brethren across the State border. This
heroic young woman was a descendant
of the Flora Macdonald who saved the
life of Prince Charlie Stuart in the High
lands, and efterward fed to America.
where she married and raised up a nu-
merOUs progeny.
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

stop the show; but, on the other hand.
were sincere in their applause This is
the only melodrama that has played New
Haven that enjoys the honor Of making a
real hit with the Yale students.
The company which has been support
ing Raymond Hitchcock in The Yankee
Tourist" has been called together for re-
hearsals. for it Is expected the comedian
will resume his work within a week or
ten days.
Frederick Warde, the trsgedian. who
has been absent from the stage for over
three years. VIII take part in a benefit at
the Montauk. In Brooklyn. on Friday of
this week. appearing in a scene from
Julius Caesar"
Now that Eleanor Robson has given up
Salomy Jane, which has been returned
TO its author, Paul Armstrong with the
compliments of Liebler e Co. there is a
report that the dramatist has selected an
other star 10 use the play for a Pacific
Coast tour.
Announcement was made in Pittsburg
last week that Adele Rafter, who is
member of the Yorke and Adams COM
pany, is shortly TO be married to R. NJ.
Gulick, who owns the Biiou Theater, is
interested in the Alvin, and considered
one of the richest men I'm that city.
Sophie Brandt wants $4,000 damages
from a music publishing house which has
been using a portrait of her on a song
from A Waltz Dream" without her per
mission. An order has been obtained to
restrain the publishers from selling the
music and it win be argued out in court
this week
Houdini is trying to effect a farewell
engagement in Washington on the eve of
his departure for Europe. which will oc-
cur this summer. It is hardly likely that
he win be seen here. however. His
brother and rival. Harden, is stiH in this
country, touring the West Houdini has
been the New York Hammersteins lead
ing attraction for several weeks.
Mr.. Forrest Robinson. the weII-lxnavn
American actor appearing this season
with Marie Doro, has appeared in Wash
ingt0n many times in the support Or
premisent stars. MIR. Robinson has beer
engaged by Charles Frohman to support
Ethel Barrymore ia her next season. s
product on of AS You Like It."
Al the Broad Street Theater- in Phila-
delphia next week a new play. "The
Impostor," VIII have its premier. The
dramatist is the wife Of Mr. Gustave
Frohman. The players will be recruited
from Marie Doros company. as Miss Doro
will not play Holy Week Mr. c. Aubrey
smith and Miss Beatrice Forbes Robert
son viii be featured in the cast.
It is about settled that Mrs Carter will
appear IN John Luther Longs new play,
commencing in August. There have been
several conferences within the past few
weeks and Mrs. Carter has finally writ
ten to Mr.. Long 10 the effect that his out
line Of the play was acceptable He is
now going TO work to complete the see
mario.
Volunteers are coming forward in num-
bers for the Frisrs' festival. which will
take place at the New York Theater on
May Il. The latest 10 have rendered their
services include E. II. Sothern Theodore
Roberts. Gertrude Hoffman, Hope Booth.
and Mile. Genee. a L. Erianger has
purchased box at $3.50. and Augustus
Thomas also sent check for handsome
sum.
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

gay, from lively to severe. and it always
keeps up the interest. The entertainment
on Thursday afternoon was the introduc
ton of Mr.. Harris TO the Washington
public. He is to give series of his
unique recitals-though recitals is hardly
the word for them-and We predict that
as he becomes known he is certain to be-
come immensely popular. and he deserves
to be. He gives the second entertainment
OF his course at the Columbia Theater
tonight and every one who enjoys a
good. high-class, clean-cut. entertainment
should go and hear him.
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

Washington will have its usual season
of grand opera. three performances, at
the National Theater. opening Thursday
evening, April 1s, matinee and evening
performances Saturday. April IS
A number of new singers are included
In the lists of artists Mr.. Conried win
present here during this brief season.
among them will be Lima Cavaleri, Bes-
sic Abott, Fely Dereyne, and Rita For
mia. The list of tenors, including artists
from Italy. Germany. and France-some
Of whom have never appeared in this city
among the number who viii attract un-
usual attention will be Alessandro Bonci.
the celebrated Italian tenor. The operas
to be given are: lie Boheme." Thursday
evening, with Cayaarf and Boncl In the
cast. "Mignon." Saturday matinee. with
Farrar and Bonci in the cast, and Satur-
day night double bill Of "Cavaleria
Rustieana-' and "Pagliacci"
The list Of conductors will include Mr..
Rodolfo and Mr.. Samuel Bovy, both dis
tinguished musicians and conductors, The
excellent orchestra viii again be heard
almost in It's entirety, and considerably
increased The chorus of 100 voices has
been completely reorganized. Special at
tention has been paid to the organization
Of the ballet. which will be under the d.
rection Of an able master. The operas to
be sung in this city have been selected
with view to present the artists in their
best roles. glance at the cast will con-
vince every lover of music thai the COM
/ ing season of opera will be a memorable
one In every particular.
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

Another Russian star Is foretold in the
theatrical horizon, following Mesdames
Nazimova and Kamerisarzhevsky, and
tending hitherward. But this time it is
not high tragedy, nor the psychic drama
that We are TO see exploited. but some
thing exhilarating and chic Nine. Steak
easke is a vaudeville favorite IN Moscow
and st. Petersburg and has appeared also
in Paris. She gives character impersona-
tions Of Russian peasant women and
striking street types Of the Russian CAPT
tai
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

There is a new song in THE Soul Kiss"
called Under the Bargain Tree" It IS
the work Of Harry B. Smith. with music
by Maurice Levi
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

The Cater Stock Company have a thrill
ing play called The Cowboy Sheriff " tt
almost caused riot at Saginaw Mich.
the other evening
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

Florenz Ziegfeld will have woman's
orchestra on the New York Roof. thus
avoiding any conflict with the Musical
Union
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

The company which played Until We
Meet Again has disbanded and several
more good actors are on the market.
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

Now that Eleanor Robson has given up
Salomy Jane, which has been returned
TO its author, Paul Armstrong, with the
compliments of Liebler & Co. there is a
report that the dramatist has selected an
other star 10 use the play for a Pacific
Coast tour.
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

Frederick Warde, the trsgedian. who
has been absent from the stage for over
three years. VIII take part in a benefit at
the Montauk. In Brooklyn, or Friday of
this week, appearing in a scene from
Julius Caesar"
The Washington herald., 1908-04-05

Work and Owe- are team of English
pantomimiscs that came 20 this country
expecting 10 remain but ten weeks. and
that have had their engagement extended
10 forty because of the hit they have
made.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1908-07-07
4 Catch Question.

Of Bishop Short. who held the see Q. St. Asaph, many curious stories ar. told. Occasionally he put questions (. candidates for ordination that appar netly had no connection with the dis charge Of their parochial duties. They tested probably their wit or tact. tws necessary qualifications to public men but nothing more. One sucb 4uestio, proposed by the bishop 7 -.s the fos lowing: Which has the greatest nun. Der of legs. q cat or no cat?"
 AS might be expected, this created /: litter. but the bishop would not take . laugh as the answer. and conseQueptly Y he repeated the question and desire, some one to solve the problem. At las one of the candidates. smiling, said. q ehould -tl.ink. my lord, cat.''
 "No," retorted the bishop; there yo. are wrong. for a cat has four legs ens 70 cat has fsve."-London Telegraph