Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-09
ADJUSTMENTS
Columbia.

Except that the machinery did not
run altogether smoothly and that here
and there a cog failed to perform its full
function, if one might be permitted to
put it that way. Richard Harding Davis
stirring four-act play. Soldiers of For
tune" was given an interesting perform
ance by the Columbia Players last even
ing.
With love story interviewer to ap-
pease the sentimental craving, the play
deals with events in a mythical South
American country and gives fair idea
of how and why revolutions there are
fomented. fought out and finished 1t Is
one of those plays that even il badly
acted would nevertheless of its own
worth hold the interest of an audience
But despite the want Of an intimate ac-
quaintance with the requirements or their
roles the part of one or two of the
players, due doubtless to lack of Suf-
ficent rehearsal, Soldiers of Fortune
was given a creditable presentation and
won the favor of large audience, II
spontaneous and oft-repeated applause
may he accepted as the verdict.
The honOrS of the evening UNI
Questionably belong to. Blanche Hail,
the new leading woman. and wafer
Wilson. who. as McWilliams. had a
congeniaI comedy role for which he is
we'll suited Miss Hall again demon
strated that she is decided acqul-
sition to the company. A large part OF
the audience insisted upon giving. her
generous share of the bountiful ap-
plause, even when it was not her turn
to get it.
But she played her part. that OF
delightfully."- natural American girl. VINO
could rise to the heights when occa-
sion required it. with charm that was
infectious. In the third act, in making
known to the young hero just VINO
she was and where she stood, she got
thrill out of her audience IN an eN.
ceedingly clever manner. Miss Hall
gives one the impression that she has
stored up a great deal Of reserve power
and genuine art that will establish her
still higher in the favor OF local
audiences when the full opportunity
offers
Paul McAllister. as Robert Clay. a
young, brave and adventurous Amer
lean mining engineer. at times was
very good, notably when Capt. Stuart
was shot by a revolutionist and Just
Immediately after. in the tnlrd act
when he hurled his defiance at Gen.
Mendoza. His performance. however.
should materially improve as the week
progresses. In the portrayal o! MS
role Of Capt. Stuart. the Young cnam
pion of Nine. Alvarez. Everett But
terfield was all right except for his
uniform, which needs revision, esPe-
cially in the lower garment: Emele
Melville, as Nine Alvarez. wife OF the
President, gave a creditable perform
ance in role that seems unsuited to
her.
Edwin H. Curtis, as President Alvarez,
again demonstrated the fact that ne is
unquestionably one of the best actors OF
the company. No matter how cast ne
always forces his role into cameoHk X.
prominence by his clever handling OF II,
and his audiences never fail to note the
fact and stamp it with their approval.
Miss Florence Huntington, as Alice Lang
ham. and Frederick Forester. clever
actor as Reginald King. were also good,
but they missed an opportunity TOT
pretty love scene last evening, Whicn II
is safe to say will not be overlooked dur
ing the remainder of the week.
Frank Shannon. Joseph Redmond. ROD
ert McGoarty. Stanley James, Arthur
Richey, in fact the remainder of the long
cast materially contributed to the success
of the evening. With a bit more OF snap
and vim at certain stages and the
smoothness that will follow its first full
dress presentation. Soldiers of Fortune
will take its rank with the many other
excellent performances given by the
Columbia Players during the season.