The Washington times., 1912-07-02
Julia Murdock Sees Newspaper Play
Given Excellent Production at Polls

There is dramatic intensity in 'The
Fourth Estate" the play which Great
ed such a furore I'm New York, repeat
ing its phenomenal success in Chicago,
and which is being given its initial
presentation to Washington audiences
this week by. the Poll Players. The
management of this house is to be con-
graduated upon allowing Washington
an opportunity of witnessing what
might be termed a premiere perform
ance, and as given last evening, moth
ing was left to be desired in the matter
of acting, and stage effects, But now
that we have ceen 1t, so capably played
by the Poll Company, we are constrain-
ed to ask ourselves and each other
why?
To tell the truth, a newspaper play
rarely gets across" for while that
portion of the public who learned its
a, b, c's in childhood, reads thousands
of newspapers every day, the method
of making the newspapers remains
shrouded in mystery to the ordinary
individual. 1t is a hard matter for the
public to understand the newspaper
playwright's point of view, just as 1t
Is difficult for the newspaper man to
place his idea before the public In the
form of a play. He sees but one side
his own, and one that Is as a sealed
book to the general public.
Fault With Authors
Not With the Actors.
Yet there is enough of romance, col
or, atmosphere, and human interest in
''The Fourth Estate" to interest every
playgoer, and what fault there is to
be found with this weeks bill has
rather to do with the authors, Joseph
Medill Patterson, and Harriette Ford,
than with the actors. Being the grand
son of the late Joseph Medill, founder
and owner of one of the largest news
papers in the country, 1t Is impossible
to believe that Mr.. Patterson did not
know more about the newspaper bust
ness than to have written into the play
some of the acts that are to be found
in "The Fourth Estate"
But as has already been said, the ex
cellent work of the Poll Players serves
to save a rather tiresome play. 1t is
undeniably well acted. A. H. Van
Buren. as. the intellectual, aggressive
reformer. whom Nolan, the Irish own
.er Of the Advance, makes his managing
editor, has one of the best parts in
which he has been seen this season.
His best work is in the last act where
he gives up the woman he loves for a
principle, only to be rewarded by hav-
ing her throw herself in his arms just
before the final curtain. His role is the
dominant one, and one which Is made
effective. Playing opposite him is Miss
JZetta Jewel, in the part of Judith Bar
telmy. This is difficult role, for tho
girl has been forced by her father to
play a double game Of love. To bring
out this phase of the character without
resorting to the obvious would have
been a perpleXing task in the hands of
a less capable and finished actress than
Miss Jewel. Then too, it Is difficult to
H. 4ol,I H., rrylaA,
in one is the subject of the dialogue, and
she has several of these to act, but
does them all well.
Other Characters
Excellently Portrayed.
Miss Marie Howe was seen in the part
Of Mrs. Nolan. the vulgar. climbing
wife Of the owner Of the Advance, ana
Miss Gertrude Bondhill was sweet and
charming as the daughter, Phyllis No
Ian. Mark Kent as Nolan. was excel
lent, but then one expects nothing else
from this e1 perieuced and efficient
actor. AS Powell. poet with journal
istic aspirations, Graham Velsey made
one of the hits Of the evening. No less
admirable than his acting was his
makeup his. soulful eyes. his romanti L
hair, anil his tenperamertal necktie
Ills sorrow over the fhte of the 'gir
who had committed suicide-his first
assignment after he had been made a
reporter, was a delightful bit OF act.
ing. AS Il villain of affable demeanor
Edward DuPuy. John Fee was de,
light. Louis Haiues, who was seen frs
as the managing editor of the Advance
and later as night editor. gave an OK
celent character bit. Duncan Pen
warden was cast in the part of Judge
Partelmy, n role which allowed hin
superior opportunity, and In which III
did pleasing work. Robert LeSeur a.
Sylvester Nolan, the young man abou
town. who spent his fathers none.
apparently, as fast as it was made
and who carried a souse about will
him the most Of the time, looked an'
acted the part Of the young gildct
Iourder 10 perfection. There were sew
cral fine character bits in the cast
Including the office boy. Durkin, playe,
by Eugene SaVoyard; Joe Dillon, an ole
newspaper man. down and OFT, in which
William CuliSon was seen: DeXte
Moore. night editor. played by. james
Duncan: Elmer Downs. city editor. by
Hardie Meakin Then there were limo
type operators. artists. stereotypers
make up men, proofreaders, and stenog
raphers enough to furnish the newspa
per atmosphere.
Story of Play
Given in Brief.
A brief outline of the play will suffice
1t concerns young Brand, the reporter
who afterward becomes managing edi.
tor of the Advance; Judge Bartelmy
one DuPuy. gentleman rascal. and tn.
EVnEAAI0nH/C