Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-12-12
NOTABLE REVIVAL
OF SARDOU'S MOST
FAMOUS DRAMA
Interesting History of "Di-
plomacy" Ben Hur"
Again Made in Amer
lea" Theatricals.

With Blanche Bates, Marie Doro and
william Gillette in the loading roles,
''Diplomasy." Victorien sardou's famous
play. win be produced by Charles Froh-
man next Monday at the Broad street
Theatre. Diplomacy" has had many
revivals, and although there has been
no notable one in a decade. the majority
OF great American actors OF the past
quartsr of a century have appeared in
the French classic.
Diplomacy" had its premiere in the
United States year after its first pst-
formance in Paris as Dora" in 1877. It's
initial performance in New York occurred
April 1. 1878, at Wallack's. Lester Wal
lack was the Henri Beauclerc; II. j Mon
tague, Julian; Frederick Robinson, Orion;
}. w Shannon, Baron Stein; Rose Cogh-
Ian, the Comtessa ZiclSa: Maud Granger.
Dora; Sarah Stevens was the Lady Fair
fax: Madame Ponisl the Marqulse; W. A.
Nytinge played Craven; w. r, Floyd.
AiKie. and Pearl Eytings played the small
part of Mlon.
In only two instances are we familiar
with the personalities of the players
Rose Coghlan, who is seen now on the
screen, and Maud Granger, who last gave
q performance In ''The Rule of Three"
ether important production In New York
It was destined to make theatrical his
tory ION the road" In 1879 Diplomacy"
started on its travels through the coun-
try, and in the cast were Maurice Barry
more, his wife, George Drew; Frederick
Wafds. Ellen Cummins and BENJAMIN
Porter.
Tragedy marked the progress of this
company through the country. In a Texas
town. Marshall I'm March, 1879 Benjamin
Porter, as the result OF a brawl at
railroad station, was murdered by ruff
hans Jim Currie. Barrymore was wounded
in the arm in the struggle, and for sew
eral weeks afterward played Julian with
his hand In sling. Currie was tried for
murder and acquitted, Miss Cummins col
lapssd and her career ended.
II Il interesting to note In connection
with "Diplomacy's'' first road tour that
the play was a pioneer to take to that
form OF travelling. Formerly each city
contained its own stock organization, each
company appearing In the support OF
Bome visiting player OF note, The public
did not take kindly to the change at
nrst. and 1t was not until some time
after 1880 that travelling organizations
were sufficiently well established in favor
10 be profitable.
Shortly efterward. In New York, Lester
Waliack revived Diplomacy at the pres
AZ ziola. The next important revival
occurred at the Star Theatre, curiously
enough old Wallaok's, on October a. 1892
and 10 memorable for having presented
for the first time In the role the actor
who Is generally accepted to have been
the best OF all Henri Beaueleres, Charles
Coahlan- This revival of Diplomacy"
marks one Of the few productions in
wliich Rose ana Charles Coghlan, sis
ter and brother, appeared together and
was practically under the management OF
Miss coghlan herself
Without much heralding, an exceptional
performances OF Diplomacy" was given
at the Herald Square Theatre in May,
1895. With Blanche Walsh as the Comtessa
Zlcka.
on April 5. 1901. at the Empire Theatre.
New York, Charles Frohman presented
the piece AZ the hands Of his Empire
Theatre stock company
Since this revival at the Empire by Mr.
frohman Diplomacy" has had no such
distinguished presentation until the same
mHnaBer announced determination to pre-
sent Mr.. Gillette. Miss Bates and Miss
Doao az the head OF a cast made up
laFsaiy Of the performers who appeared
vita Miss Doro during the long run OF
the play IN London al Sir Charles Wynd-
hams theatre last season.
The return OF Ben Hur," now nlaying
ifa 18th season. 10 the Forrest Theatre
shortly. recalls the story Of General
Lev Wallaee's experience IA placing the
manuscript Of his novel Having had
3sa HaEn rejected by : nnnaher Of pub
lisheFs. he hnaily sent Il 10 the publish
ing house Of Harper & Brothers. where Il
fell into the hands Of Mrs. James
Harper, wife OF one Of The proprietorB
and partners ia the business. AT nat
time there was a prejudice against re-
lisious novels. but Mrs. Harper read the
rlaBusCript with enthusiasm, and Ii was
eha who Induced her husband 10 publish