The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-26


 play--almost as important a
 part as the actress who wears them? When the actress is not a star, or leading lady with an individuality and a personality that have made themselves impressive. clothes are really quite as important as the wom- an herself; and many stunning cos tune, worn by a rather insignificant actress. has lifted a stage part into prominence.
 There have been certain produc- tions, given without scenery, without artful light effects, and with the play CTS speaking their parts in ordinary everyday raiment. Sheer force of good acting, the supreme art of dra- matic expression have put these pro- ductions "across;" but the average playgoer likes to feast his eyes on beautiful stage settings and costumes. And above all, delights in stage garb that expresses the part it plays.
 What, for example, would Marie Odile be-wonderful as is the art of Miss Frances Starr-were the pathetic little novice garmented in the Pompa- dour lace mantle in which the actress has been photographed for today's page, instead of the somber convent gown, coif and f1at-heeled slippers in which little Marie Odile feeds her pigeons and mistakes her soldier for saint? Would not something of the allurement of the convent maid be missing? Were Miss Phyllis Nelson Terry to portray poor "Trilby's" hypnotic trance and sing "Trilby's" song. garbed in the smart tailored suit she wears at rehearsal. instead of the entrancing stage costume, all shim- mering gold and white, and with cling Ing, classic lines which enhances "Trilby's" loveliness and pathos ten- fold, would we be so heartbroken over "Trilbys" fate?
 The star of acknowledged reputation may be as arbitrary as her sweet will pleases' about the colors she will wear and the scenery must be painted to match; but lesser stars and leading ladies in general must yield to the. mandates of the Powers-That-B and wear what greater minds select as best for them. If the setting of a library scene is going to be tobacco brown, and it Is decided that the 1ngenue who perches on the table to discuss matters of moment with her. guardian, is to wear 8 frock in prim- rose and orange hues, her individual preference for baby blue which is more becoming-has not the slightest weight. Primrose dashed with orange she will wear, if the Powers-That- Be make up their minds to 1t; and the only thing she can do will be to use makeup" that primrose and orange VIII not entirely thrust into oblivion.
 
 Girlfsh Frocks That Charm Fall To
 Julia Sanderson's Lot
 In light opera, 1t is more easily pos Bible for an actress-or a singer-to express her personality in her dress than 1t is in drama. In most of the modern light operas the star wears modish, fresh- from Paris raiment. gjth sprinkling of picturesque cos eQmes to give. character to the pro- Auction. One of the light opera stars whose clothes behind the footlights hlways suit her own personality ad- mirably, is Miss Julia Sanderson, who 10 opening the season with ''The Girl From Utah." in which she achieved a phenomenal success last year. Miss 6anderson is winsome little woman with a fascinating smile, figure that . absolute perfection and manner that is full of magnetic charm and her stage clothes seldom approach the bizarre in picturesque quality They are usually clothes that any pretty girl might wear at any ordinary kestivity and the debutantes flock to bee Miss Sanderson- and get ideas for new and alluring frocks-particularly dance frocks. Some very attractive sport clothes have been worn also by