Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-12-21

1HE presentation of within the
Law was the first opportunity
Washington has had to observe
a step toward former standards
in the playhouse; a sturdy step
with swing to it that denotes vitality.
Tt Is melodrama of the oId-time sort, in
which innocence is prosecuted. but In
which the long arm of coincidence reaches
out with the same protecting or devastat-
ing might that the NEUROLOGICAL powers
exercised over classic contenders in the
endless human struggle Within the
Law rings with contradiction of the
apology for moral frailty that animates
the class of which THE Easiest Way
was representative. Mary Turner's de-
scription of her term in prison with no
time of was the modern expression IN
simple. current language of BARLEY
Campbelrs heroic epigram, Rags are
royal raiment when worn for Virtues
sake.'
The story of within the Law" while
rejecting the spirit of old-time melodrama
in its unexpected turns of plot and its
dispensing of poetic justice. is peculiarly
ters 1t is in accord with, the impulse of
feminism now sweeping the world Melo-
drama once told of a hero falsely accused
of crime. for love OF whom a woman defed
her family and public opinion Now ii is
the heroine who is falsely accused and
man who holds her in his heart with un-
shaken faith 1t Is the woman who domi-
mates the story and the man who subordi-
mates every other consideration to his
simple sense of loyalty.
Within the Law was one of the sur
prises In theatrical management. 1t was
at first regarded as one of the rough
and-tumble thrillers irreverently described
by managers as dog fights" Its early
prospects were not considerable. Bayard
Weller, the author, became discouraged
and sold his interest for a song. George
Broadhurst was called into co-auth a
little on the work, but it is claimed
that his variations and additions were
eliminated and that the piece has gained
success by force of its original material.
William A. Brady sold out. Broadhurst
retained an interest and now takes pleas
ure from time to time in calling atten-
ton to one of the large weekly royalty
checks of which he is regularly in re-
ceipt- Recognition was made of Vieller's
authorship. made by means of a steady
payment. although, of course, his COM
pensation is by no means what would
have come to him on the usual basis of
payment. 1t has, however, made any
Weller play a very inviting manuscript
to producers IN general.
It is not always possible to judge a
company by its number number =.
3 or company may be quite as good as
number /. When play is a solid sue
cess 1t may be seen by different COM
panies with enjoyment of the opportuni-
ties to observe different portrayals of the
same part. The producer of a really big
play does not have to go over the tenn
peramental jumps that are threatened
when manager bitches his wagon to
a star. Helen Ware gives the role
depth of emotionality that renders it a
most sympathetic study.
Frank Campeau. the one-time Trampas
of The Virginian is reported to be grieved
oy his encounter with police authority His
speech describing his hatred of the stool
pigeon, English Eddie, terminated with
some unvarnished Anglo-Saxon. 1t was
found desirable to eviscerate the speech
and Campeau felt as If he had been COM
PEELED to substitute a slap on the wrist
for rhetorical bludgeon.
* y
One of two things has happened; either
William Collier has new play or a new
play has William Collier. Mr.. Collier
has acquired the reputation of being. in
addition to the countrys most graceful
and satisfying exponent of the snappy,
alert young American manhood, the most
prolinc OF all playwrights. 1t is estimat-
ed that the producers now clamoring for
plays could find an abundance of good,
live material by searching the Collier
waste basket while he writes in new
scenes over night. He can afford to ex-
pertinent, for no evening spent with
theatrical entertainment over which he
presides can be accounted dull. The
most trivial play on words becomes elo-
quent humor as he delivers il.
= x
new one act play written by Mrs.
Burleson and produced by Preston Glib
son brought the vaudeville world into
the social atmosphere of the Playhouse.
The reception given the Mrs. Burleson
play was such as to encourage Mr.. Glib
son to proceed with some extensive
plans as a producer. Numerous cities are
now taking up the little theater" idea,
and IL seems quite possible that the
Playhouse will invite a large share of
interest on these lines.
x x
With the Belasco showing films at one
end OF the theatrical line and the Males
tic showing them at the other. the thea
ter this week may be regarded as drama
entirely surrounded by moving pictures
PHILANDER JOHNSON.
\ GREAT IRISH COMEDIAN.-In
PHILADELPHIA where oldtimers with long
,ra,,a-;aa otiu eheriSh rerniriscepcas III