New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-01-12


ycars AGO Licbicr 4 Company have starred Eleanor
Robson Elsie Ians Kyrlc Bcllcw, William Favcrsham.
Dustin Farnum. William Hodge, George ArIis', and
many other famous actors, and have been powerful
leaders in the theatrical way that is still raging
ONE Of Americas famous stars who is also q sue
~ ccssful producing manager first saw his name IN
big type as the result Of a successful blu ne star Is
Henry Miller. The man he able to bluff IS Charles
Frohman
When Mr. Miller was at the zenith Of his popularity
as leading man Of the Empire lhcatcr Stock Company
ne minated to Mr. FrOhman that IT would be an cX-
ccnt idea 10 place him at the head OF independent
COMPANY Frohman agreed, and declared he would do
50 as soon he found a suitable play When awaiting
this dcvOutly wished COnsummaon Mr. Miller SET ABOUT
tocxpcdc the discovery. About the same time Charles
Klein then a comparatively unknown dramatlst, was
looking for someone produce play in which he had
great faith He met Henry Miller one day, and told him
that the play Just suited the Miller personality ana
acting methods.
The suggestion came at the psychological moment,
and Mr. Miller fired with enthusiasm. Before
waiting hear the entire plot Of the story he seized
Klein, and the two hurried to the Frohman Offices:
Leaving the author outside Miller projected himself
into the presence Of Charles Frohmdn and announced
that he had found the play
Fine" Frohman's comment Sit down, Henry,
and tell me all about it,.
The Young leading man was stumpcd. To save his
life he could not remember the small part Of the
story Klein had told him. But to make such an adj
mission meant the loss Of that opportunity which
knocks seldom AT one tlOOT. without iIt Utktl
Of an cycash he began rattle off the story Of the play
By rapid speaking and quicker thinking he managed to
unfold a narrative that fairly bnStlcd with dramatic
situations borrowed from old plays he had read, in
which he had acted when he was stage beginner but
which he thought his auditor would not remember.
When he finished he sat in fearful silence wondering
if the story had sounded plausible. 1t had Frohman
pressed several buttons TO his licutcnants who
spondcd he gave directions about production and en-
gaging a cast, and turned to his star.
You can take charge Of everything, Henry, he OBJ
served. when YOU get the rchcarsals going let me
know and III 90 down and look at your play.
Miller stumbled out Of the Office and down the steps
When he reached the waiting author that man was in
nervous frenzy and demanded to know his fate; but
Mr. Miller grabbed his arm and whispered:
Get away from here quick possible It's all
right He's going 10 do IT; but this IS no time for qucs-
tions-cspccialy from HIM!
week later Frohman was informed that Miller
had the play in shape and he strocd down the street
TO a rehearsal At the end OF the first act his com
mcnt was:
VERY good indeed; but where's the situation in
which you did 50 and so!'
That's cut out, Miller hurrcdy explained. I'VE
found that it ntcrcrcd with the smooth action of the
play
I'm sorry, unused the other; for liked that sua-
ton
At the end Of every act similar questions were asked,
and similar replies were made. When the final scene
was acted Mr.. Frohman said:
well, Henry, somehow or other 1t seems very much
changed since YOU told me the story but ii looks like
pretty good play. Go right ahead with IT.
Henry Miller went ahead with it, and Mr.. Frohman
had no reason to regret the changes The play was
"Hearseas," 1t made Henry Miller a star, and it
made Charles Klein playwright. Both have done far
bigger things since; but both remember with chuckles
Of delight that daring coup dGtat carried out with
brilliant success by Henry Miller and silently APP
pauded by Charles Klein. But it several years
later before they found courage to tell Charles Frohman
the true history OF "HeartseaSe.'
RILLIE BURKE is perfect example Of the power Of
- the public TO star an actress. She was starred at
time when her management wished to hold her back