The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-01-31

living likeness OF the dead premier,
as nearly as one can Judge from the
later's portraits, and the result Is a
play that holds ones interest almost
from the outset, and at the same time
affords one an insight into the life
md works OF one OF the worlds great
est personalities such as never could
ne obtained from a study OF the writ
ten page.
The performance Monday night had
all the interest OF premiere produc-
lion. The play was first presented in
Montreal q week or two ago and
comes to Detroit from that city. II
It's reception, thus far, can be taken
as a criterion its success would seem
to be assured. There was no mistak-
Ing the genuineness OF Detroits well
come. Society gave its unqualified APP
prevail and would not be satisfied un-
I'll Mr.. Arliss gave a curtain speech.
here were cries for the author, too,
hut Mr.. Parker disappeared from the
third-tier box he had been occupying
before the audience was generally
oware OF his presence.
The plot Is a simple one. Britain'5
purchase OF the Suez canal through
Disraeli's efforts. provides the basis
Of the dramatic action. The introduc-
ton OF a bit of intrigue In the form
OF a Russian plot to defeat the prime
minister's purcose adds zest to the
story and also serves to bring out
piaraeli's shrewdness In handling
nen-and women, for that matter.
The element of romance has not been
overlooked. Incidental TO the pur-
II ase OF the canal. the author has In
terwoven an interesting love affair
I etween Lady Pevensey and the Wis
count Deeford. When the negotia-
tons for the canal are brought 10
successful conclusion by the viscount,
Under the clever guidance of Disraeli.
aud In spite OF the persistent, even
criminal interference, OF the Russian
sries, the romance reaches a happy
elimination as matter OF course.
Through Il all is seen DisraelPs
teautifu! character; his fortitude UNI
der the most trying circumstances;
mis- patriotic devotion TO country, his
tender regard for his wife; his far
sightedness as an empire builder, In
fact, all the qualities that marked
him as one OF history's shining lum-
inaries are admirably brought out.
and credit must be equally divided
between the author and the actor.
The work Of Mr.. Arliss is above criti-
Cism.
The play is In four acts and as
many scenes, each masterpiece OF
stagecraft and entirely correct from
az historical standpoint. The cos.
tunes worn are thoroughly represent
alive OF the period. From the spec
tacular standpoint, the most interest
ing period OF the drama Is the fourth
act, showing gay scene at court.
I.iebler 4 Co. have provided Mr.. Ar.
SO with splendid support Worthy Of
special mention in the cast are Mar
garet Dale, as Mrs. Noel Travers. one
G the Russian plotters; Elsie Leslie,
2s Lady Pevensey. also called Claris.
sa; Marguerite ST. John, as Lady
Beaconsfield. wife OF the premier: j.
l.. Mckay, as Hugh Myers, banker:
Davis Terrence, as Sir Michael
Probert, OF the Bank OF England:
Alexander Calver., as Lumley Fun
tanbe, husband and confederate OF
tho Travers woman: Courtenay Foote.
as the Viscount Deeford. and ST. Clair
bayfield, as Potter, Disraeli's garden
err ..
The engagement Is for three nights.
only, with "Wednesday matinee.