Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-02-18
New National.

That play of hypnotic influence The
Case of Becky" has lost none of the
power of intense fascination, akin to
hypnotism, for local theatergoers. AS
on its first presentation here over
year ago, Edward Locke's drama held
d big assemblage at the National
Theater last night in it's grip, and the
audience lost itself completely in the
dainty sweetness of Dorothy, the spite
fui mischief of Becky-as portrayed by
Miss Frances Starr--in the domineer-
ing egotism of Prof Balzamo-as pre-
scented by Charles Dalton---in the men
tai murder of the naughty Becky, the
brea king of the evil hypnotic power of
Prof. SwartZ, alias Baizamo and the
restoration of a daughter to u father.
Washington pronounced this play good
when 1T made its debut here, and upon
its second appearance. with that nrst
impression widely approved, the only
speculation is whether or not Wash
lngton knew at the first how good il
really was Its only handicap now.
possibly, is that because it was so
thoroughly enjoyed before on its last
visit it is too well remembered.
Cases of dual personality are not under
such common observation that they have
ceased to claim attention, and the
presentation OF such case on the stage
with the realism of which David Belasco
is past master and by such IL capable
company as MARKS this production is
bound to be interesting. But THE Case
OF Becky is more, despite the fact that
its plot is practically unveiled in its en-
tirety during the first act. 1t is IL prob
lem play, Yet not Il problem play as the
term is usually used. The very confidence
that cXudes from the personality of Dr.
Emerson i'm the first act tells of a happv
ending with the final curtain. One can
see continuous sheet of white paper fed
INTO q press at one end and come out
a. har al lrly int
magazine. 1t Is the seeking for the proc
ess In this case the watching of the use
Of curative hypnotism a very human
very loVable patient, and of the PLAY of
/ one man wits against another that grips
the heart and mind and keeps the inter
| est intense. 1t is Il play of the clinic
but the clinic is pushed far in the hal,
ground and the human patient the liv-
| ground.
| Upon Miss Starr falls the largest rc-
! spohslpiltN Tor making the play rise
above the mere clinical study. mere
demonstration or psy cho-therapeutics In
/ her capable hands, Dorothy is sweet and
charming and lovable, Becky mischievous
| and hoydenish and spiteful In voice
] manner facial appearance. she makes the
| uual characters separate. contra sting and
| distinct. Especially effective is the trans
| forma ton of dainty Dorothy into naugbfv
| Becky III that second act And there is
real human anguish expressed in Becky's
/ 6a rlr
abyss whittier she hates to 20 and vb;thn n
| she will never return
1 tharles Dalton continues to disn1av "
ms unusual powers as a character Dor,
| trayer In the role of the domineerinr
| sel1-satlshed BalZamo. He is as inn
| pressiVe In the cast as the Ralzamo
| hypnotic power was over his suhiectS
at his twice-daily performances. II is
a part that could easily be overdone
but ITS ruggedness is preserved with
the same hnesse that Mr.. Dalton las
| so often shown in Washington Some
/ In the audience who thought the nor
trayal of DIR. Emerson by the caDabIe
Albert Bruning lacked the spontaneity
of earlier performances here suggest
| ed the confidence of Dr. Emerson had
been getting just little hold over
Mr.. Bruning.
| Harry c. Browne makes DR.. Peters
the same delightfully."- breezy. intent
medical student and ardent lover as
formerly, and Mary Lawton preserves
the reserve Of Miss Pettingill very
satisfactorjN Eugene OBrien's acting