The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-03-07
THIS WEEKS PLAYBILLS



The success OF Thomas Dickinson's
play OF contemporary American life.
The Unbroken Road" which Harrison
Grey Fiske will present at the Belaseo
Theater tomorrow night, with Bertha
Kalich in the stellar role. is further
proof that the new school Of native
drama lies very close 10 the heart and
interest Of the American theatergoer-
The story, which is laid in the cap
ital city OF a Middle West State. has
for its principal figures the governor
CT the State. two political bosses, and
Eva Fellonova, an erring girl Eva
innocently having met with misfor-
tune through the infatuation for her Of
the son OF the governors party boss.
Walter Dover, has been illegally con
victed OF shoplifting, at Dover's insti-
cation. in order 10 break up, TO his sat
isfaction. the Objectionable alliance.
The first act opens in the governors
room at the capitol. The governor owes
allegiance 20 Dover because Dover made
him. but when Eva Is brought before him
for pardon. her impassioned recital OF her
story, & scene IN which Nine. Kalich
rises TO great emotional heights, SO
awakens his conscience 10 its full duty
that despite all agreements with Dover
he pardons the girl and promises her as
sistance in gaining a future. In thus
antagonizing Dover he Jeopardizes his
political future.
In the second act Eva is settled in the
comfortable home Of the prison charity
worker. Mrs. Murrish. A new life has
come 10 her. she is free and happy as in
her girlhOOd days Then Pietro GarvOny,
the other political boss. who first met Eva
in the governor room, seeks successfully
70 make her love him and. believing her
love reciprOcated, on his urging, she con-
fesses her passion. only 70 be met with
the proposal Of an alliance without mar
riage. In a pathetic scene. appealing In
its humanity and tragic in its analysis Of
heart that pulsing with the joy OF
new life IS suddenly and cruelty fayed
by base passion. Eva scorns his pro-
posal
The third act pictures the anteroom OF
the convention hall The convention for
the nomination Of governor is on and
there Is a hot factional fight in progress.
with Garvony's man in the lead and the
governor hopelessly in the rear.
Eva, aware that she is the cause Of
the governors present predlcament. rea-
sons that II by any possible means she
can avert the impending catastrophe. ii
is her duty 10 do il. whatever the saeri-
! hce. Her one consuming desire now is 20
show her gratitude, the only feeling she
believes the heartlessness and contempt
/ or humanity has left her CAPABLE Of
for the man who befriended her. And she
Is ready 10 welcome any opportunity. as
she herself says. TO lick the hand thai
/ has earessed her"
! The opportunity comes. Garvony IS
carrying the convention, he IS fast ac-
curing The necessary votes 10 nominate
his man. Eva, learning this. figures thar
/ the governors supremacy would he as
sured II only Garvony could be persuaded
/ 10 support him Then comes. realization
GaTvony desires her Why not barter
/ her soul 70 save the man who has sac
rinced so much for her? II is. seemingly
the only good that the conventions OF
society have left her 20 do. Amid the
confusion and excitement or the conven-
ton she goes 10 Garvony. but he only
laughs at her. says II is impossible and
leaves her. She Is sickened AT heart and
| then her woman's wit saves her. Garvonv
| Is conquered and the governor overwhel-
mingly renominated. The climax OF this
act where Eva realizes IN fun the enor-
nifty OF what she has done is thrilling IN
! It's naturalism, IN its revelation OF q trf.
umph won at the sacrifice OF a soul The
scene Is said 20 give Nine. Kalich her
| greatest emotional opportunities
The final act takes place IN the Nurrish
home. Garvony entering 70 claim Eva
meets the governor eager 10 learn why
! Garvony supported him al the crucial
moment Learning the truth. the COVER
nor makes Garvony see that in accepting
Eva's sacrifice he viii only be losing her
love A scene that gives new glimpses
OF Nine. Kalichs art OF expression and
| quiet intensity. The final curtain falls
as Eva whispers 10 Garvony: Hold me
close-for always"
Throughout the play Is borne the
! thought that IL the good Of our COM
munities was on less Of a business basis
there would be a better humanity.
There is no lack OF comedy. particularly
in the characters OF Mr.. and Mrs Muir
IRISH. Mr.. Fiske has made a very arts
| tic production, and Nine Kalich is Sup
/ ported by such able players as Frederick
| Truesdell. Eugene OrmOnde. Thomas L
/ Coleman. Riley Chamberlin. Florine Ar
mold. and Blanche Weaver. The only
matinee Of the engagement viii be on