New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-15

EFT ISN'T TO be found on any map; none OF
the histories Of New York City mention 1t;
Il tho ouides on the big sightseeing cars that
roll down Broadway never proclaim H. LOT 'hey
know no more about it than does the Dig traiiic
noliceman who stands within twenty feet OF It's
portals nor the half million persons that pass
those portals every day.
Actor Land. TO be exact is situated within
the eastern hat Of the block bounded py Broad
vay. Forthwith Street, Eighth Avenue ana
Fortv-sixth Street and within its boundaries
ara contained the stages OF the 1aieIy' 'ne
Fulton and the Astor theatres. The entrances
n these stages are connected by maze OF
narrow streets or alleys in which the stranger
would be quickly lost, but the stranger is spared
that danger. for no miionaire's home IN Ne"
YORK is more closely guarded against intrusion
Surrounding this little unseen, unknown CITY
are the three theatres and some dozen sOoie''
To this strange land there are three entrances
from the public streets, but one OF THESE Is
closed. while the two others are watched WIN
Jealous care. Of the two open entrances, one
lies between the Fulton and the Galety inca
tres ON Forty-sixth Street. 1t is wide and In
vitng Int two slim and uninviting gentlemen
in uniform counteract any suggestion OF nospi-
+,,+v that may impress the passerby But II
tho Fortv-sixth Street entrance TO Actor Lana
IS forbiddng the Broadway entrance is as
concertino. Imagine recognizing Forrest WI
nant leading man of the "Turn to the Right!
company. walking along New Yorks most
famous street Just as you are making up your
mind that it is good opportunity to see now
a matinee idol knots his cravat or carries his
cane. Winant suddenly turns, walks delloer-
ately into a big "three-sheet poster ua'
stands between the lobby of the Astor and the
florists store next door, and DlSAPPEAho
from sight. The big poster has opened magic
ally. closed as mysterously, and he is GoNh'
You try to follow, but quite as mysterlousy
colored person in uniform springs into being
and politelv informs you that it is mo thor
oughfare."
But. as privileged characters, let us follow
Through the mysterious opening sign 'he ACTOR
steps into an alley that, if followed to It's end'
would lead to the stage door of the Astor' But
half way down on the right there is a door IN
q fence and through this Mr.. Winant turns ana
50 straight to the stage entrance of the Gaiety.
Other favored men and women who have passed
through the mysterious sign on Broadway fol-
low Mr.. Winant to the first turn and then, turn
ing sharply to the right, reach the branch OF
this involved system of streets that leads 10
the entrance of the Fulton stage.
IS. say, 1870 of an afternoon. From both
roadway and the Forty-sixth Street en-
.ss men and women are hurrying to one or
Ter of the stage doors. They enter dressed
in ne garb of the street, but soon from the
stage door of the Gaiety come white haired,
sweet faced woman, stumbling country lout,
2 serious-faced man whose coat blows open
with the wind to reveal a detectives badge
They turn the corner of the alley, for there Is
time for a breath of fresh air before matinee
curtain, and run plump into group Of German
soldiers. who might have come direct from the
trenches. To make this even more realistic one
gets a view of what looks like shel-scarred
trenches themselves just to the south of Actor
Land. for hundreds of workmen are digging
the foundations, on Forty-ffth Street for the
new Theatre FRANCHISE.
If it is pleasant day the maze of alleys will
be crowded with actor folks. Fay Banter,
leading lady Of the "Arms and the Girl" COM
pany, may be seen-the Tribune photographer
saw her, chatting with Mr.. Winant and Taylor
Holmes. of Bunker Bean" fame-wf1ile two