The Washington herald., 1912-04-23
THE cOLUMBIA.
.sBobby Barnit.v


Messrs. Metzerott and Berger did fine
thing when they selected Bobby Burnt
for the sixth week Of the phenomenally
successful season Of the Columbia Play
srS since It anords them en- opportunity
OF showing patrons Of the Columbia The
eter that Edward Hass Robins can be
something more than an inanimate statue
fine to look upon. but uninspiring
Withal
with, perhaps, the exception Of billy.
IN which Mr.. Robins acquitted himself
with credit, he has had no chance to give
anything Ike an adequate portrayal OF
the height and breadth Of his ability un-
I'll last night when he was the whole
show in Bobby Burnt dramatiZation
by wincheII Smith OF George Randolph
Chestsr's widely read story. published in
book form under the title Of The Making
Df Bobby Burnt"
II was the thoroughly unique charac-
ter studies introduced 20 his readers by
Mr.. Chester that furnished the secret Of
the popularity Of the book, thoroughly
human studies which have been carefully
preserved In the stage version.
Throughout the fortunes of Bobby
Burnt" there is droll philosophy which
Is very appealing. The story is that Of
the young son Of a deceased father,
from whom he has inherited an immense
fortune, the majority OF which is left
him under the control OF trustee until
the heir has given suficient evidence
of his ability to conserve certain busi-1
ness enterprises intrusted TO him. When
Bobby comes into his Inheritance and
takes over the business he finds himself
helped In almost every contingency which
arises by a series Of letters prophetic
ally written by his father prior to his
death, covering each situation with al
most uncanny forethought
The love story Of the piece Is as quaint
as It is pure and tender. Bobby is in
love with a girl companion OF his child
hood days, who. II happens without his
knowledge, Is the trustee of his estate,
Discouraged by his failures he receives
fresh inspiration TO continue his fight for
success in her promise OF the reward Of
herself IL he wins. a promise which is
his stay in innumerable difficulties
through which he finally wades to success
and happiness.
The comedy is in four acts the first
two Of which take place in the Offices
Of the Burnt apartment stores. and the
remaining two In the combination living
and dining-room of the Burnit-Bates
gymnasium, where the luckless Bobby
finds a shelter through his down-snd-out
days.
Bobby Burnit' was seen at the coIum-
original cast, headed by Wallace Eddin-
ger and Willette Kershaw, winning favor
no greater than that accorded the Colum-
b3a Players last night by good-humored
audience, which crowded every nook and
corner OF the popular playhouse.
The work Of Edward Hass Robins. who
last night essayed the role formerly
played by Mr.. EddiRger, rang true.
During the first two acts. when he
learned to be "a business man through
the most bitter experiences. he assumed
the character Of the inexperienced youth
suddenly asked to make business ca
reer for himself with q sincerity that
went out over the footlights, gripping
the interest OF his audience-an interest
which grew steadily with the develop
ment Of the story which is SO filed with
humor and human nature.
Bobby Burnit%,js essentially q
han's play. in giving the biggest OBJ
pOrtunities TO the masculine members
of the company.
Next to the splendid work of Mr..
Robins. the role of Bin Fates, played
by George w. Barber, was the most
appreciated of the cast. AS the pugil-
istically inclined. but none the less
loyal. friend OF Bobby Burnt, Mr.. Bar
bier gave fine characterization of
diamond in the rough, a man unlearned
in letters, but with heart of gold
bier portrays to the fullest extent his
ability.
Stanley James, as the faithful clerk to
both father and son, was also well cast,
and won unstinted approval
As David Appleford, the rascally clerk
who furthered his own crooked schemes.
through "Bobby's" supreme ignorance Of
business principles. Carson Davenport
did clever bit of character work.
The thankless task Of presenting the
dyed-in-the-wool villains Of the piece fell
70 John NJ. Cline and Godfrey Mathews,
and were ably handled.
OF the two feminine roles, Frances
Nelson played that Of Agnes EIliston,
the sweetheart OF Bobby Burnt, and
trustee OF his property, handling II in the
true Frances Nelson manner, which is
Just another way Of saying that the IT.
tie sweetheart Of the young heir was a
most tender and sympathetic bit OF fem
ininity.
Bobby BurnIt' is exceptionally well
suited for stock production. being full
OF genuine fun, with here and there q
wee touch of pathos, sending the audi
ence home refreshed and happy. as should
be the way with all productions Of dra-
matte stock companies J. c. MANI