The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-03-24
GLADDENS ALL
HEARTS IN BEAUTIFUL PLAY

Radiant. sunshiny Pollyanna Whit
tier, the little apostle of g1adness, the
I epitome of human happiness, stepped
right out of the pages of Eleanor Por-
ter's delightful books onto the Acad-
envy stage last night and cast her mys-
tersous, irresistible and rfever-to-be
forgotten charm over q spellbound au-
dience. who came full of anticipation
and departed with wonderful reali-
cation. completely conquered by the
inspiring philosophy OF the heroine.
The play, which follows closely the
written story and is embeliished in
non-essential particulars for dramatic
interest, Is one OF the sweetest. purest
and most wholesome that has ever
been shown In Richmond. 1t pos
sesses all the elements that made
Daddy Longlegs" so delightful, and
In the treatment of its theme tnevi-
tably calls to mind the dominant mo-
tive OF 1.-The Passing of the Third
Floor Back -
Pollyanna. a red-haired, freckle-
faced wisp OF an orphan girl. comes
to make her home with her maiden
aunt. Polly Harrington. All of her
little life of twelve years she has
looked around for and found what
there is in life to be glad for. And
HlD5l tItfTEelICdIly uutS she tIluedkOI
to point out these truths in the lives
of all with whom she comes in con-
tact. with the result that this little
ray OF sunshine penetrates the barrier
of their hearts and diffusesA its light
into their souls in a subtle and indie
Enable manner until she has wrapped
herself completely around their hearts.
John Pendleton. woman-hater,
wealthy old bachelor, in former years
loved her mother. Their marriage
plans were frustrated and he has set
tied down to a heartless miserable
and crusty old age, DIR. Chiffon, the
village practitioner. has for years
loved Polly's aunt. but for a long
time they have been estranged. With
the coming of Polly things take on
wonderful change. When Pepdleton
discovers her identity as she relates
the fairy story often told her by her
mother the transformation in his life
ia magical and instantaneous. The
doctor complains that the miracle
worker Is running his best practice.
Transforming his trusty invalids into
happy convaiescents. Even the vil-
lage gossips come under the spell of
the newcomer and the estrangement
between Aunt Polly and the doctor
dissolves like snow before the sum-
injury in an automobile accident and
is taken abroad to a noted specialist,
who effects a complete cure. Upon
her return. she fulfllls her girlhood
promise Of marriage to her hoyhood
chum, Jimmy the waif. whose adop-
ton by Pendleton she had brought
about. And all ends most satisfac-
torily and beautifully.
The great success OF this captivating
little story undeniably belongs in
large measure to the impersonation
Of Pollyanna by, Miss Patricia COL
linge. Her personality has con-
tagious. Infectious charm that is won
derful Like Maude Adams. she plays
straight over the footlights to the
hearts of all her auditors, and makes
you laugh and be glad with her In all
her philosophy OF optimism. while
time and again queer lump comes in
your throat in her occasional tragic
episodes, She is an ingenue Of in
genues and wonderful little actress.
who depicts girlhood with an un-
speakable charm. A splendid cast
gives her admirable support. Arthur
performance of the bachelor. Herbert
Kelley. minus mustache for the first
time since Sherlock Holmes" but
Plus ali his mannerfsms. Is an inter
esting Doctor Chiffon. His wife, Eff
fe Shannon, makes a capital Aunt
Polly. Jessie Busley, always superb.
is g. most amusing Nancy. and the
village gossips are we'll performed.
In a word. it Is an "all-star' cast
Fortunately Poffyanna WIN be With
us today and tomorrow, and will have
ample opportunity to gladden. the
hearts of hundreds OF her worship
pers. who will be as much helped RS
by dozen wordy sermons. Indeed.
her theory OF life would be an eio-
quent text for many a pulpit meg
sage. AS we who saw her last night
were heartily glad we came. we were
sorry for only one thing-that all
those whom we knew and loved could
not be there to share the joyous i'm /
OressiOn of her visit To thosa Who