Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07
A M u S E M E N T S.
Belasco.

In addition to being a producer who
combines energy with taste, David Be
lasco is a student Of his time. No man
has done more to mold theatric traditions
and no one is reader than he to discard
them. When the star system was In
ascendency he glorified it with newly
discovered personalities. The public is
beginning to realize, thanks to persistent
exposure in print of managerial machina-
tions. that the star system is largely ar
tifcial, relying on big type and personal
favor. Mr.. Belasco now proceeds to
the stock organization with distributed
opportunities and a plot development I'M
hindered by the terrific toll on patience
and general proficiency exacted by the
nent producer, whose work is of especial
interest in Washington because of the
numerous first-night triumphs he has
enabled the capital to see steers his own
course on the sea of popular favor he
does not neglect to study its winds and
tides. The problem play has commanded
so much interest that 1t could not be
ignored when practical results were
sought.
So. Mr.. Belasco posts his title The
Lily" labels it problem play with as
much caution as If he were regulated by
| some pure food law that applied to men
tai nourishment and propounds an emo
tional drama. Its logic. though ingenious
is lost among the heart-throbs it arouses.
Its reasoning is blunt and adjusted to
social conditions not our own. The
parental tyranny which might tempt a
CIR! to moral suicide. the difficulty OF
divorce which seems to offer pathetic
excuse for a dishonored love not sub
jects which come close to American ex
perience.
The social dangers of this continent lie
q in acG nf int hoy in tn
much repression. These two motives are
exotic. They remain the property of the
original authors of the play, Pierre Wolff
and Castor Leroux.
through the play is one that echoes
through all creation. The fierce. resent
full cry of the woman whose warnings for
home and affection have faded one by
faded letters and withered flowers are
treasured in some secret drawer. awakens
a sympathy and a respect something akin
to the feelings with which we hear the
the Individual to the needs OF society at
large is to seem cruel and pitiful thing
The tragedy of 1.-The Lily" or, as we
might colloquially call her. THE Wall
Flower" is surely as complete as that
of any story ending in death tnroes, since
this heroine surrendered love that she
valued more than life itself. The title
role is played by Nance O'Neill an
actress who. in her few precious visits
to this city, created a profound impress
sion. Superior to all article of dress
or makeup, she moves through the
earlier portion of the play quietly. almost
obscurely. When her feelings at last
find tumultuous expression, 1t is as if
slumbering volcano had awakened
Beyond question. the company playing
1.-The Lily is the most remarkable for
consistent efficiency that has been organ
lied In many seasons, not excepting from
ff0 Ri oil -cfor CITE CO,
able an actor as Leo DitrichStein Is per-
United to retire from duty after the first
act the management seems as prodlgal OF
talents as 1t is of scenic display. Charles
Cartwright gives a character picture of a
selfish and autocratic father which pos
sesses dignity despite whimsical touch
here and there. Alfred Hickman does the
best work of his career. His lightness Of
rise to the demands Of big scene. espe-
cially adapts him to the role of the
brother who is beside himself with resent
ment of his sisters indiscretion. Bruce
McRae is not the romantic hero that he
has SO often been; only the kindly family
adviser, polished of manner. but humanity
sincere. Aubrey Boucicault more than
sustained his reputation as bad first
nighter. his nervous condition seeming to
threaten breakdown.
In the third act he had himself better
in hand and earned his share of the APP
plause SO lavishly bestowed. Dodson
Mitchell gave fine picture Of a simple.
matter of fact man of commerce whose
honest ideals of responsibility cause him
to refuse alliance by marriage with
house. however distinguished, that has
been touched by scandal. Julia Dean
handled a role OF central Importance. that
Of the girl whose love for married man
creates havoc in her home. with con-
vincing efficiency. Florence Nash in the
brief time allotted to her presented an
ingenue type whose breezy attractions
must be pleasantly remembered.
The audience was most enthusiastic the
applause leaving no doubt that the per-
formance had scored chacteristic Belas-
CO success.
New National.