Evening star., 1913-12-02
Columbia.

George AIiddleton's dramatization of
Vaughn Kester's novel, THE Prod gal
Judge" had its first presentation in
Washington last evening at the Coium-
bia Theater before an audience that was
distinctly inclined to be favorable in its
judgment. 1t had to help it in its pleas
AIT mission the assistance of that splen
did actor. George Fawcett, supporting
cast that in several respects met the re-
quirements more than satisfactorily and
a pleasing scenic mounting. But even for
days as remote as those when Andrew
Jackson was President. it inflicted a
shock upon its friends by a knock down
and drag OUT scene in federal court in
the third act. where the play really
ended. and then further taxed their gem
erosity with a Little Lord Fauntleroy
fourth act anti-climax that seemed to end
abruptly and without much eclat.
The play. however. is in its formative
stage Under expert attention ii may
become something OF exceptional worth.
IL ought to have such a fate because OF
the splendid opportunity it offers Mr..
Fawcett in the first two acts for the
Characterization of a loydble but bibulous
I'D fellow, impecuniOuS, yet withal prodi-
gal in his outlay for liquid refreshment.
the payment for which he deferred until
he received that letter from Gen. Jack
SON. who had been his comrade in arms.
This old fellow. the prodigal judge
subsequently, proved to be a south
srn gentleman of consequence and
grandfather to young Hannibal. waif OF
fortune. but heir To a hundred thousand
choice acres.
Mr.. Fawcett. as long as the play gave
him opportunity, impersonated the role
with rare discretion and telling effect.
II was rugged creation that forced in
terest and sympathy. Beside him through
out was another strong Characterization,
who lost his life in the courtroom brawl
after first eXacting d pledge OF reform
from the judge. 1t was a master
piece OF good work and James Seeiey Is
the player emitted TO the credit for il
Master Bert Burton. as Hannibal, the
waif was also exceptionally good, be
cause he was at all times natural and
not an artificial specimen of child prodi-
gies. Miss Elsie Herndon Kearns lent
charm TO tine leading feminine role of
Miss Betty Malroy by her pleasing per
sonality and the really conscientious and
artistic efforts she made in its behalf.
oihers in the east might he singled out
for MENTION f il We're really worth
while. because they did the best they
aouid with the possibilities afforded
them
TIE play Is IL four acts, and turns cp
t-e efforts Of 4 Col Fentress, alias Gate
Uced, a rich lawyer and leader of 4
clan Of outlaws. 10 kidnap the boy
hannibal, that hc may himself take over
Tire vast property TO which the child is
heir. Melodrama Of the kind that used 10
thrill! "A quarter Of 4 century ago ahounds
~ all its glory in the first three acts. The
fourth act presents 4 pretty woodland
and garden scene. with the Judge in
stHHeuce again, in order to marry on
LIS 3ettS NJ. !ruE. an tciTess and friend
Il the little Hannibal and Tho Judge. 10
Truce tarrlHgton. Il secret service agent
s4. IEh whose efforts. apparently. and
.4e friendship of President jackson for
>iocum Price the proiigal Judge" the
corrupt Judge of a federal court was
pusted on short notice u give way to
Judge Price. at the moment when the lat
ter was hailed into court on the charge
II passing counterfeit money. The audi
cnc@ contained many representatives of
tut congressional circle