Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-11-11
New National.

- InlrIOTeu portrait IN IL setting OF Its
time describes at once Louis Parlers
much talked of play. 'Disraeii." and
George Arliss' masterfull portrayal Of
England's great statesman. who in the
face of powerfully entrenched opposi-
tion and contempt Won his way to the
proudest position ever occupied by a
commoner III the British isles and al
most to national idolatry.
The play progresses slowly until the
entr; nee of Mr. ArliSs as the great
premier From that moment until its
close nothing relaxed the gripping IN
tsrest that last night took hold upon
o.ie OF the largest and most repesen-
I: tive audiences OF the season. Wash
IL gton saw Disraeli probably for the
Il st time as he really was, and his
makeup was not attractive. But when
his face lit up and the contdSton OF MS
smile and the charm Of his manner
were brought Ia play, tie LONELINESS
and insignificance of the physical HS-
ure were lost sight IF, and the specta-
tor was led irresiStibiy to admire ana
to study the methods and to SYM
pathize with the aims and with the
sorrows OF the great statesman. 1t was
a marvellous character STUDY. falthful
holding OF the mirror up TO nature.
The author of the play admits In q
neat apology that he has trified with
history for the sake OF presenting SIM
ply the portrait Of the great premier,
together Win Il picture u liz littit% ~
which he moved and OF the prejudice
he CONQUERED. His story selects the
acquisition Of the Suez canal, the great
waterway that would enable England
70 maintain her hold upon India, as It's
leading theme. Disraeli and his charm
ing wife are seen 1T a house party, as
GUESTS Of the Duke and Duchess Of
Glastonbury. where the scant courtesy
shown them closely borders upon in
suit and vet seems to disappear as the
mis- no H. through
full Indifference of the premier and mis-
wife
Quickly DisraeIis aim to acquire the
canal and 10 make his sovereign En-
press Of India is disclosed, and with al
most as startling quickneSs the means
he employs to gain success. Tile audi
ence finds the president of the Bank
of England tiouting the scheme as ar
rant fooliShneSS and refusing the
banks aid even until parliament meets
20 make provision for the payment Of
the purchase money. IL sees the pre-
mier sending for Hugh Meyers, the
wealthy Jew banker to meet the
emergency. discovers the presence of
two Russian spies, one charming
woman mingling in the social life OF
the Disraclis and the other an under
secretary. who Is being baited con
tinually by the willy premier, simply Go
keep him under his eye. because his
keen observance has long taught him
the truth about both the man and his
accompHce, and 1t wonders at the hum
bling and luol.lmg 10 his end OF the mar
TOW minded obstinate Young nobleman
Charles, the Niscount pccford. who has
had the courage and daring ia take
III" premier 10 task for interfering
with hIS love affair.
Russia learns Diaraeli's secret and one
OF tho spies disappear in = hot chase TO
reach Egypt first NiScount Charles is
dispatched also by 4 shorter route 10
complete tue canal purchase. with the
Hdnd OF his sweetheart awaiting linn as
bis reward The curtain falls With
Hisrael 81 Downing street awaiting the
queen. who Is 10 be proclaimed Empress
OF Itdia aud, IN the final moment of his
great victory moved 10 tears at again
beholdlnc bis beloved wife. whose death
hc was fearing when a telegram was
handed him. Every height aud cVer9
dcpff - the great man, in humanity and
III craftsmanship, is sounded i'm the char
acter portrayal and all with satisfying
fidelity.
he cast A. Il whole i competent bat
TIE character poTtidyals OF Florence AR
lSa, - Lady Beacousiieid, Violet Hem
tn1t - Lads CltrisS;l. Charles promised
bride: Margaret Dale. as Mrs Noel TRAY
c-s, . Russian spy: Charles Harburv, Is
Sir Michael Probert. president of III.
Banh Of England, and Dudley Disges. as
Air. Iumies Foljambe. the other Russian
spy. stand out IN attractive or forceful
excellence.