The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1909-08-18
GOODPLAY FRIDAY NIGRT
A Gentleman From Mississippi Scored
Big at Winnipeg This Week.
Entertaining Attraction,

| man from Mississippi at the Walker
theatre the first half Of this week lie
mainly concerned with American poll
tics. subject that most people of
Winnipeg are enabled. by their prox-
unity to that republic, to appreciate.
II 1t were merely a political play how
ever, IL could never have attained its
present vogue, since the drama with
purpose is only bearable at the best
OF times, but A Gentleman From Mis-
sissippi is more than this. Its pol
itics are those Of the United States,
but its human interest is universal; !;
it is the kind OF play that makes one
feel better and more kindly for hav-
ing seen, with its fresh, sweet love
stories and the simple, upright vital
character-that OF gentleman,
whether he hail from Mississippi or
Manitoba - which dominates II
throughout.
Shortly put the plot consists of the
attempt Of q couple Of senatorial
grafters to make use Of an unsophis-
ticated senator from the south in the
establishment OF a naval base in that
district. Unknown to himself he has
been financially involved by his son
and daughter in the DEAL who also
cause a separation between the bril-
liant young secretary and himself
in order to further their plans. A
younger daughter stands by the secre-
| tary and gives him a chance to ex-
plain matters to her father, whose
enlightenment results in a vary strong
scene with his erring children. War
Is declared on the corruptionists and
an exposure threatened, but the sena-
tors own ENHANCEMENT seems to bring
matters to a deadlock. The repentant
| family, however, rallies around the
father. who gains his point by threat
ening to offer all the land which he
and his opponents possess, a gift
to the nation as q naval base I chaI-
longing them to deny IL. Incidently,
no less than three love matches are
brought to a satisfactory conclusion
and the curtain falls on a scene of
reconciliation and congratulations.
The part Of William III. Langdon,
junior senator, and the Gentleman
from Mississippi" was taken by James
Lackeye in a quiet humorousIy ma
tural manner that made II a perfect
Jem of character study, while a high
standard Of dramatic ability was
reached throughout the third act, cul-
minating In the scene with his two
children.
Osborne Scale, q most personabIe
young man, has great opportunity as
Bud" Haines, originally Of the New
York star" but later Langdon's sec
retary, and makes full use Of IT, It
was pleasing to watch the mixture OF
boyish naivete and Idealism and the
businesslike experience in affairs with
which he invested the character. His
scene with the eldest daughter of the
senator was a triumph for both Miss
Virginia Pearson and himself, while
his love scenes with the second daugh-
ter were charmingly unconventional.
It is no small thing to ask q man 20
fall out Of love with q girl and TO fall
In love with her younger sister in the
course OF a couple OF acts and Il says
a great deal for all concerned that. as
accounted for last night, II seems only
logical and proper.
really fine, but difficuft part was
that entrusted TO Miss Virginia Pear
son. as Carolina Langdon, whose work
in II stamped her as an artist of no
small power With the simplest
methods that rang true throughout
she gave a brilliant impression of a
girl led astray by ambition and mis-
placed affection but whose better ma
ture only needs TO be aroused when
she is capable Of the greatest renun-
citation by way OF atonement. Her
finest moment came in the final scene
with her unworthy flance, whom she
dismisses, and which gripped her audi
ence with It's intensity. In pleasing
contrast. though both are fascinating
young women, was the impulsive,
wayward manner Of Miss Minnette
Barrett, the Hope Georgia Langdon Of
the piece and finally engaged 20 Bud"
Haines, who like every member Of
the company indeed. was thoroughly
convincing in her part
The three grating politicians were
admirably handled by Fletcher Adams,
Hal DeForrest and Fred J. Adams,
while Edwin A. Sparks made the most
Of thankless task as Randolph Lang
don. the senator's son. Miss Spangier
whom the audience is led 10 believe
viii eventually become the wife OF the
gentleman from Mississippi" was
charming1y played by Miss Olive
Pearson as were also the numerous
other minor parts, called for by
large cast, by other members OF the
company.
A Gentleman from Mississippi, then,
is an interesting and amusing play
that IL distinctly worth while. It is
cieveriy interpreted by number OF
competent artists and should prove its
own best recommendation.