Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-02
Columbia.

1t Is now some years since George W.
Barber won his way into high favor with
ADMIRERS of the Columbia Players, and 1t
was brought about with series of fine
character parts some of them memorable.
But In all his good work Mr. Barber has
never appeared to better advantage than
As William Todman. the old secondhand
bookseller. in Liberty Hail. the play
presented by the Columbia Players at the
columbia Theater last evening. His
characterization was Il gem of consistency
and artistic endeavor and there We're
many in the large audience whose
hearts were deeply touched by the gentle
simplicity OF the dear old man whose hu-
mility was so great that he apologized for
his presumption in marrying their aunt
when he went to offer his home to her
aristocratic but penniless nieces. broSe
down the barrier of caste and eventually
won their sincere affection.
The play. by L. e. Carton. is such a
beautiful gem of romance that Charles
IFrohman selected it for revival for the
celebration of the twentieth anniversary
of his famous Empire Theater. and. ac-
cordng to report, is to make 1t one of his
broad productions next season.
| Sir Norman Chilworth, a rebeillous and
daring spirit, has died. leaving debts that
absorbed all of his own estate and lands.
(which. according to an ancient entail ot-
Seconded to a relative. thus leaving ms
proud daughters. Blanche and Amy, 10
make their way in the world as best they
could. The relative who inherits tne
Hands and title offers the use OF their oio
home to the girls indefinitely, "hlle ne
prefers, unknown to them. TO pose as d
| SOAP agent Pride dictates refusal pS
blanche. and the two girls go to nFe
with their old uncle. whose nome Is d
shop. owen, as their relative prefers 70
| call himself. follows as a logger anu ~
his own way helps to disilluslonlze biaiiciie
while he modestly prefers MS SUIT io1 ie'
hand. .,., 49, 11o,
Amy has a love affair with the HON
Gerald Tangueray. who wishes hef ~
eJope with him Owen prevents IL. anu
while TRYING to comfort her ana pFoiiiis:
Eng to keep her secret from her sister Is
d;s.ov.red nv blanche who has learned
Ito love him In the meanwhile an AFRO.
CANT and bumptious individual haineu
|Briginshaw, successful in trade anu holu
ling claims against the uncle when M
ruin him if not paid. asked LOT ar,aS
as his wife A birthday party. arranged
by the old man for Blanche brings ABOUT
a climax in which Briginshaw presents
his ultimatum to the uncle; Bianene sNes
owen to understand she could never
marry a man beneath her. and the old
uncle is threatened with rum. inns is
soon followed by the untangling OF the
threads. the consent of Blanche to ac-
cept Owen for her husband, the pay
ment of the old mans debts py o"eh'
and The bappy union of Gerald and Amy
Such is the trend of the story. But it Is
filled with romance and moments OF
sweet pathos.
Earle Brown made a pleasing portrayal
Of owen and Miss Violet Heming ana
Miss Jessie Glendinning gave charming
characterizations of the sisters. AS Ger
Aid Mr.. Butterfield conscientiously pre-
sented the role OF the impetuous lover
of Amy, and Miss Julia Blanc an excel
lent low comedy study as the servant IN
fhe uncIe's house Mr.. Kline and Mr.
Darrell were both good in their parts
of the lawyer and the arrogant trades
man, respectively, while Willard ROBERT
son and Miss Carrie Thatcher gave anus
ing comedy sketches that helped to make
an effective scene at the birthday party
George Marshall. as the speeches. butler
and David Chase. the booksellers boy,
completed the cast.
act being a beautiful sample of stage
craft.