Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1909-12-09
a Good Play ana q Good Cast.

Such was the satisfactory combination
IN "The Third Degree" presented in
Chandler Music ball Monday night, 60
which II attracted about 400 spectators.
A special train over the White River rail-
way brought so or more people, 3S Of
them from Rochester, and the general ap-
proval seemed to be unqualified. Many
who had fixed on some previous attrac
tion, like "The Lion and the Mouse" by
the same author, 'sPierre OF the Plains, I"
or "Paid in Full" as the high water
mark OF excelIenoe in dramatic art, we're
inclined to lower the old favorite to sec
ond place and pronounce "The Third De-
green as "the best thing yet" while no
one, apparently, failed to recognize the
merit OF the piece and its production.
As a literary work, "The Third De-
gree" of Charles Klein is play to which
that much abused word "strong" can be
rightfully applied. II has a plot which
compels interest, and purpose, in set
ting forth the atrocities OF modern Grim
inal procedure. In carrying out that
purpose so well as It does, II shows how
the stage, under certain direction, is
hardly less powerful than the pulpit, aud
perhaps farther reaching, in an effort to
quicken the public conscience.
Marion Kerby, in the ftar role of Annie
JefIries, gave a mastery impersonation
Of the brainy but uneultured woman,
whose native wit, unpublished by books,
respect, while the simple
goodness of her nature, untrsmmelled by
is force not to be lightly
set aside. Miss Kerby played the dia-
mond in the rough and made Il outshine
the faceted gem.
George Sumner looked and acted like &
Judge of the supreme court as be por- /
rayed Richard Brewster, who, much I
against his will, had to yield to his better
nature, INCREASINGLY prodded by the per-
Iistent wife, Annie Jeiiries, until be I'm
lily undertook the defence OF her hus-
1and in the murder case against him. I
Is a legal light Mr.. Sumner was a fascin-
ting mixture OF dignity and humor and
he dry Witticisms OF his part did much to
elieve he tragic character Of the play.
GLADDEN. James adapted himself natur
lily aud easily to the role OF the weak
nd foolish college boy, Howard Jefiries,
r., led into an imprudent marriage and
aught In the meshes OF the city police
ystem. He did some particularly good
citing In the second scene Of the tirat act,
hen the "third degree" was worked
Ipon him and, in hypnotic condition,
lie confessed 10 crime which he never
ommitted.
The police captain, Clinton, who ex-
orted the confession, was the impersoua-
ion of Jack Ellis and, though be may
ave been guilty of exaggeration, be sue
eeded IN creating 9 recognizable figure of
Be buriy, domineering type quite often
ound in Office.
The part Of Mrs. Howard JeHries, sr.,
-as admirably taken b. Irene Oshier,
tho played the lady, the anished prod
ot 81 society, ID sharp contrast 20 the
haracfsr Of Annie Jefrias. Howard
efiries, sr., was srifuiiy made detestahle
y Charles ain Males, who represented
father 50 entirely devoid Of human feel
1g as 10 justify the daughter-in-law in
alling him a ish.
These dve actors did the real work Of
be play but they had adequate support
D the minor parts OF the play, and the
lage settings were all that could be de-
ired.