New Britain herald., 1915-12-27
STOCK PLAYERS WIN
 FAVOR AT LYCEUM
Alfred Cross and Julie Herne
 Score in "Under Cover"

Surrounded by a company of ex- ceptional ability, Alfred Cross, with out question the biggest favorite ever appearing here in stock, made his fourth "come back to New Britain Saturday when he bowed over the footlights in the Lyceum as "Stephen Denby,' the hero in Under Cover,'' Rol cooper Megrue's great drama, selected as the vehicle for the first week of what is expected to be a |, long engagement of the Alfred Cross Players, the name under which the aggregation is to appear. The idol ized leading man, his face wreathed in smiles, made his appearance midst the enthusiastic applause of a capa- city audience, which extended most cordial welcome to him. There was marked sincerity in the greeting Of the Christmas playgoers and MT. Cross was visible affected by the warmth of their welcome.
 In a friendly curtain talk the actor ! expressed his appreciation of the manner in which he had been receiv- cd and promised to give New Britain stock productions on a more elaborate scale than has ever been attempted here. He frankly sough the cooper ation of the city's theater-goers and told his auditors that if they helped most successful season would be assured. He expresSAl his delight over having secured so capable a company to work with him and call ed special attention to the manner in which the plays would be staged under the direction of Kendall Wes- ton. who. he said, is one of the great est men in the country in his line.
 Under Cover,' which is to be given all this week, is most interesting comedy drama. founded on the prac- tice of smuggling as indulged in par ticularly by society people.
 The story concerns the activities of a secret service man. who travels in cognito and is known only by reputa- tion and the initials, "R. J." The de- partment has assigned the detective to work up a case against Daniel Taylor,' a customs house official who had been successfully blackmailing wealthy people who succumbed to the fascination of outwitting the collec- tors at the piers by not declaring cer- tain valuables on which duty should be paid. "R. J.,' who is on a trip 70 Europe "Stephen Denby,'' has had "Taylor' notified by cable that he had purchased a $2OO,OOO pearl necklace
 
 he would attempt to smuggle them into this country. 'Taylor," pretend ing to believe that, owing to the wealth and influence of the "Harring- tons,'' with whom "Denby' is travel ! ing, the customs house men might 1 lost their places should they cause 1 the suspects arrest and subsequent- l ly be unable to convict him, orders l his assistants to pay no attention to i him should he neglect to declare the [ gems. "Denby'' fails to pay duty on 1 the jewels when he reaches port and 1 "Taylor' puts detectives on his trail. Taylor" has discovered that Amy 1 Cartwright a poor society girl. has l defrauded burglary insurance com- 1 pany by collecting insurance on some diamonds which, she claims were stolen from her home. The young l lady had pawned the gems to pay a gam bling debt and fearing exposure l she invented the burglary story. The l blackmailer then makes a secret ser vice agent of her sister. Ethel Cart 1 wright" threatening to send Amy to prison unless "Ethel' helps him to 1 trap "Denby.'
 l Wishing to save her sister, and l hoping to prove the innocence of
 'Denby.' with whom she is in love.
 "Ethel' spies on the suspect. The two are guests at the Harrington l home. The girl acquires information l leading her to believe that "Denby'' 1 is guilty and at first she arranges to 1 surrender him to the police. She 1 changes her mind, however. when "Denby" threatens to compromise her
 honor,and tries to shield him. The e fN be captured by ''Taylor," however,
 subsequently, paying him a bribe of
 s30,OOO for his release. He then has
 the blackmailer arrested and reveals
 his identity, straightening out bad
 tangle and bringing back happiness
 to his sweetheart and friends.
 The play is splendidly written. It
 has many clever lines and they are 1 woven together in excellent style. An interesting love story runs through the ! piece and there is also vein o1
 humor to lighen it's tragic features
 In "Denby," MT. Cross has a char 1 acter remarkably suited to his talents
 "Denby" is a handsome looking fel. ] low. 2 refined and suave gentleman
 and the type of a character that never
 fails to make a strong appeal to lovers
 of the drama. The part was played
 bv Mir. Cross in Hamilton, Ontario before he accepted an offer to return
 10 New Britain, and he was perfect ir
 it. He played it carefully and wei i and in all his scenes he showed g
 masterful handling of the role, work
 ing up the climaxes with consummate
 skill.
 Miss Julie Herne, who is to play 1 opposite MT. Cross during the season ! o1i character. ! Cartwright" Miss Herne made most favorable impression on tht 1 Christmas audiences. At the outse