The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-07-13

THE DEVIL SUMMER
VISITOR, WARMLY WELCOMED

About seven or eight years ago
Franz Monars bold, weird. singing
play OF modern society. The Devil,
was shown at the Academy for one
day only TO two packed houses, drawn
thither by a morbid. unwholesome
curiosity melted by the notoriety pre-
ceding the drama. MIR, Bertheiet,
ever in search Of something interest
ing. and also mindful of the fact that
in this torrid weather it would re-
quire even the sensational to draw
good business. decided to reproduce
The Devil for the farewell week.
And as a result. quite an encouraging
crowd heroically gathered in the hot
playhouse last night, 10 have their
heroism amply rewarded by the very
excellent. yes, superb. production af-
forded by the company, Times have
changed since the play was last here.
We were then much more easily
shocked. and the Academy audiences
then glanced furtively around as they
entered and left the theater. Last
night the Bitou aud fence had to
thread its way through long line of
people waiting to be admitted to "A
screen production of Elmer Glyn's
iurid popular novel. But even in
this day, when hardened theatergoers
are not easily shocked. The Devil" is,
lat times, very broad. very daring.
often very unpleasant and once===well.
risque is probably strong enough All
of which is offset by the cutting,
singing. naked truth of IT'S story. and
the never tagging interest of its
brilliantly written and cleverly trans
Lated dialogue. The present produc-
ton is chiefly of interest for the big
opportunity it gives Edward Arnold,
and the avidity with which he seizes
it and the perfection of his perform
ance force us again to the superia-
tives. and we ask pardon for stating
that for sheer artistry ii is decidedly
the most ambitious undertaking and
achievement of this young mans ex-
tensiye and enviable repertoire. To
lbegin with, his makeup Is striking
ard " clever. His conception Of the
part Is very similar as we imagine.
To that of George Arliss. the first
American i'DeviL" The sinking,
crouching attitude, the sinister ex-
preston. the knocking laugh. the ad-
mirable intonation. all combined TO
make the character. purely hsura :
tive one notably successful. And Mr..
Arnold knew his lines to the le'ter.
He had studied them and proved that
he can overcome his only glarins
shortcoming. Mr.. Berthlet, as ne
artist, was Enthusiastically compe-
tent and acted with earnestness and
power. Miss Taylor, as Olga. gives q
splendid reading of this hapless. err
ring creature. and was patheticaiiy
real little more familiarity with
her yves WILL vastly increase the i'm
pressivelIs-s OF her closing scene. Miss
Ball did excel..,t work as Mini ana
Miss Crawford, as Ei7;e Nas q""e
capable And the rest of tbs cast
handled the minor characters credit
ably. The mounting liz sumptuous,
the lighting effects hne. But all eyes
are for the most OF the time on The
Devil" he who stands for the evil
in mems minds. and Mr.. Arnold
never-lagging conception of him
brought out with all due force itS
meaning. Only the very mature
should. see this play. But they viii
surely be interested. and TO them its
moral. though long delayed, Will De
brouht home with terrific power.
C. p.