New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-08-20
ENJOYABLE NEW PLAY
''BeIieve Me, Xantippe," at the
39th Street Theatre.
CONSTANT LAUGHTER
Good Plot, Amusing Situations,
Clever Lines and Excel
lent Acting.

llS HISt De.IOl III NhiS NANJ HN 49,
3sth Street Theatre last night, has al
ready to its credit a twelve weeks run
in Boston. There is nc reason why IL
should not far exceed this record In
New York, and many reasons why IL
should. 1t has an original plot, II Is
well constructed. and 1T abounds IN
amusing lines, some Of them not only
funny but really clever in their apt
bearing upon the action. Its material is
light. but it suffices for its purpose
which is good entertainment What is
more II deserves success for the en-
couragement OF a new American play
wright, whose promise is worth far
more TO us than even this, his hrst
achievement
The plot concerns a bet made by ricn
young New Yorker. George MacFarland
John barrymore, with two Of his friends
Arthur Sole. chief Of the New York De-
tective Bureau (Alonzo Price,, and Thorn
ton Brown. lawyer Henry HulD. that
he can commit a crime in the technical
sense OF the word, have his portrait and
general description sent broadcast
throughout the country, with the offer OF
reward Of 5000 for his apprehension,
and in the face of all this yet keep at lib
erty for a year Unknown TO him, the
lawyer adds to the description the infor-
nation that he frequently uses the catch
phrase Believe me. Xantppe" The
crime settled upon is forgery; his alias,
MacGinns. The hunt is to begin the
moment the bet has been made The de-
tective takes down his general appear
ance and his measurements and insists
upon making one more picture of him.
The electric lights In his room are turned
out. the hashlight touched of, and when
the lights are switched on again George
mcfarland. now MacGinnis, OF New
York. has disappeared
The second act opens In hunting
shack I'm Southern Colorado, nearly a
tYelvemonth later. Buck" Kamman,
Sheriff of Delta. Col Theodore Roberts),
and MS daughter Molly MARY Young
have been on hunting expedition. The
Sheriff must return home that night
but Molly persuades him to let her stay
one day longer. that she may have a
last chance to bring down a buck. She
is not afraid of staying alone in the
shack overnight. Danger? She laughs
at the notion. And so the Sheriff leaves,
and Molly begins 10 prepare supper.
While she is in an inner room. Alias
MacGinnis" enters. miserable, hungry.
cold. He. the pampered city man. the
tenderest OF tenderfeet has been roughing
II In the mountains. and is heartily sick
Of IT, He has just shot badger. be
cause II was the only animal that would
stand still long enough" and wishes TO
cook IT, Molly returns. One look suffices.
She. the Sheriff's daughter has recog-
nZcd the fugitive from the handbills.
Hands up, MacGinnis," she cries. draw
ing her revolver. MacGinnis surrenders
end clinches the Identification a moment
later by saying Believe me. Tantippe."
The comedy here is delightful. the love
element. which one foresees, not being
forced prematurely. In fact + IS one OF
the many merits OF the play that its
author has known just how long TO with
hold IT, and when TO introduce IT, Later
that evening Smp Galloway, desperate
Frank Campeau), enters the shack with
evil intent. MacGlnnis may be tender
foot. but he is fighter. With his help,
Molly has now two prisoners 10 take 10
her fathers Jail in Delta.
The scene of the third act. which is d.
vided into two parts by moments low
ering OF the curtain To indicate the lapse
OF several days, is laid in the jail. Sheriff
Kamman has made Molly his deputy as
reward for her proves, and she is In
charge while he is away hunting gang
OF train robbers. II IL here that the love
element is introduced and developed.
MacGiunis has become an object OF inter-
est 10 her. He is. indeed, an interesting
prisoner. who brings her the key 10 his
cell when she Horgets to take II out of
his door: who unmasks a plot 10 free
his fellow prisoner. the desperate. and
who. above all else. has helped her 10
capture THIS criminal. And thus the play
runs 10 it's end with undated zest and
laughter.
And the acting IS as good az the play.
John barrymore gives a deliciously con-
sistent sketch OF the debonair young
New Yorker. and gives the familiar and
fetching whimsical touch to his love-
making His fight with Simp is a thriller.
Mary Young, as Molly. is a real delight
Theodore Roberts's Sheriff
is a big strong. daring figure OF man;
and need one praise villain played by
Frank Campeau? Albert Roberts plays
the taller with a neat touch OF low
comedy and Alpha Beyers. as Simp's
pal. who would help him 10 escape,
makes the best of the opportunities OF
her role The other members of the cast
contribute their full share TO the success
OF the evening. Go TO see Believe Me,
Xantippe" You VIII send your friends,
and YOU will want TO see II a second time
yourself.
Kenneth Hunter. last season with WILL
lam Faversham In Julius Cesar" has
been engaged by Harrison Grey Fiske for
the part OF Alan Wilson In THE High
Road" I'm whicr Mrs. Fiske will be seen
again the coming season. Rehearsals VIII
start tomorrow.
THE CAST
George mcfarland alias McGinnis),
John Barrymore
Arthur Sole .Alo'llo iIlSe
Thornton NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. Henry Hun
'.uuck" Kamman.. Theodore Roberts
''Slmp" Galloway. frank Campeau
''Wrenn" Rgley...................Al bert ROBERTS
William .....................,....M. Tello webb
Martha Alpha beyeIS
Violet ........................ Katherine Harris
Dolly Kamman.. ''..'Mary iouhs
THAT SLAP ON THE STAGE