Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-17
Columbia.

THE Blackbirds,' a play whose world
ly experience has been limited to soJourns
in Atlantic City and Baltimore, was re-
vealed in the third week of its career on
the stage Of the Columbia Theater last
night. 1t is a story of charming though
improbable unsophistication. 1t is the
''crOok play idealized, refined and ele-
waited to a point that renders the enemy
to society and his feminine pal the true
representatives of culture, while the hon
est folk against whom they are consplr-
ing are SO crudely and eXasperatingly
rich that for the moment it seems that
it would serve them right if their $2O.oO
bit of oriental weaving were stolen. The
purpose of the play is obviously reforma-
tory. The plot is woven into and about
the prayer rug which LeOnie SObatsky, a
young woman whose exceptional educa-
ton and accomplishments are devoted to
expert Swindling. arranges to steal her
object Is to secure funds needed for the
getaway of her lover. Nevil Trask'
who has an ariStOcratic ancestry. clam
destinely acquired and therefore not le-
gally recognized a sweet, elderly lazy
reminds LeOnie that it is a prayer rug
and suggests that, for this reason. 1ts
theft would be particularly sacrilege;
likely to bring misfortune to herself and
her loved ones. A sudden but complete
conversion is effected. The girl forgOes
every advantage involving the interests
of herself and her lover in a way which,
however improbable, is tremendously
heroic
The few words of sincere mOtherly APP
peal suffice to persuade LeOnie to upset
the entire plot that has been so carefully
devised and scatter the prospects OF her.
self, her pal. the art dealer, who hgures
as her financial hacker, and the plans Of
a household of socially ambitious but
very estimable people. When Leone as
sures Nevil that she was animated to TINS
destruction Of we'll laid schemes by
Nevils hard, cynical laugh seems quite
justifiable. The police. however, are bai-
fed. and the play ends with arrange
ments to start life anew in Alaska.
"Blackbirds'' plainly has as Its object
a step in advance Having endowed the
stage crook with all the attributes or
courage. wit and elegance. the dramatist
now adds a fine moral sensitlveness 10
the list of attractions. The motives are
not presented in such A way as to MAKE
either of the two roles most prominently
in action convincing in their analysis OF
human nature.
There is no sense of the inevitable at
any epoch of their adventures and the
fervid demonstrations which take place
in the course of acting are hung upon
suggestions hardly robust enough to stand
the logical strain.
The most convincing character study is
presented in the roles of Howard Crocker
the newly rich and devoted father, and
his resolutely aspiring family. Mr.. Harry
James Smith. the author, is so Keen IN
social satire that he is thoroughly par
donable If he does not appear entirely at
home in the researches of the crim1nolo-
gist. The manner in which the ladies toss
the Letter ''r'' into nasal resonance is the
most realistic touch of the entire produc-
ton, excepting, perhaps. the kindly self
effacement of the wealthy father who is
doing his best to keep up with the social
procession The lines scintillate with
genuine wit throughout the dialogue and
the play is performed with polished
completeness that must win admiration.
Our old friend. alias Jimmy Valentine"
as played by H. B. Warner, is assured
welcome in any guise, even when he be-
comes entirely too good to be true. The
lady crook, as played by Laura Hope
Crews, is a personality of grace and SUM-
shine. The opulent but i'll at ease Mr..
Croker as represented by James Brad
bury could lot be better played. The per-
Torrance has every advantage that pro-
ficient stage management can give. and
last nights audience gave evidence OF be-
ing abundantly entertained