The Washington times., 1909-11-02
THE BATTLE" WINS
A SECOND SUCCESS
Wilton Lackaye Called for
Curtain Speech by Audi
ence's Approval.

An actor has achieved personal tri,
umph when he has presented a PLAY
twice to the same community and or
both occasions has won the hearty ap-
prevail of his audiences
That is exactly what Wilton Lackayt
has done in giving WashineEon two
chances TO see THE Battle" Cleveland
Mo1ett's strong play. a story of modern
life. The play IS based on theme as
old almost as the world itself. but is
given new interest and finer meaning
BY the highly capable company that
presented it to a crowded house at the
Belasco Theater last night. In Mr.
Lackaye's ears the hearty applause prob
ably rang pleasantly, and when. after
six or more curtain calls. he responded
with little speech Of thanks there was
hardly any denying that his home city
still regards him with warm affection.
II may also be said in tribute to the
stars intelligence that he has surround
ed himself by players who interpret
their roles with judgment and power.
Not one Of them last night seemed
without those attributes that place a
player high in the estimation OF the
most critical Even though THE Bat
tie was without the virtue OF a strong.
virile drama, the capability of its pres
ent cast would insure Il a successful
run far beyond its engagement. In Wash
ington.
Story of "The Battle"
THE Battle" tells the story of the
never-ending struggle between the rich
and the poor. the strong and the weak,
the insistent cry of the down-trodden
against the injustice Of a condition that
demands unceasing toll of them that
others may live and enjoy. The author
ADMITS inequalities and injustices that
are the toliers' lot because Of this sys-
TEN. while at the same time he blames
the toiler for hating his rich brother
where he should seek his cO-oper alton.
This is the message that Mr.. l4ackaye,
in the role OF John J. Haggleton, rich
and powerful and hated by the masses
whose homes are in his tenements. in
teTprets with a force and vividness that
leaves no doubt of the actors great
skill in pOTtraying character parts.
Haggleton's human side Is revealed
when. learning that his only son whom
he has lost when the bOy was q mere
child. belongs to this under world he
enters the lives Of the tenement dwell
ers as one of them. AS the son, Harry
HllliaTd deserves credit for sincere
and intelligent reading of his difficult
part. In all the climaxes he is called
uron 10 share the burdens with the
star, and his work last evening may
give his admirers ample opportunity 10
predict for him greater future achieve
ments.
Acting Is Excellent
IN the roles Of Gentle and Moran.
the Primer a sincere socialist. unspOiled
by sordid environment and adding cheer
to the lives of his fellow-toilers, and
the latter man broken on the wheel
OF Haggleton's relentless system. Thos
McGraae and Gerald Griffin display
qualities that stamp them as actors Of
high merit. IN the light comedy
\ Charles Able. in the character of Joe,
a child Of III fortune. with a IsenChaut
for picking the losers, Is one Of the
bright spots OF the play.
The feminine roles are intrusted 10
Miss Clara Blandick. as Margaret
Lawrence, a social worker amianced 10
Philip AInes. ans Miss Julia HeTne, as
Jenny. q neglected daughter Of Eve,
whose finer qualities finally triumph
over her baser self in the struggle Tor
the same mans love Both young
women interpreted those roles with fidel
ity and sympathy.