The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-24

Sarah Bernhart, who played at the Jefferson theatre last night, has come to mean something more to the peo- pie of America than the supreme art iste of the stage-the great histrionc. She typifies France, torn by war, but | indomitable and unconquered. The genius of Sarah Bernhardt illumines the somber background of a great con flict in which she has played her parF. creating, if that were possible, more lofty ideals of patriotism and awaken desire to make even greater sacrifices for their country.
 The bond of sympathy between France and America has been strength ened by the conflict raging in Europe and this feeling was expressed by the audience last night in spontaneous ap- plause when Madame Bernhardt acted the role of wounded French soldier dying with the trfcoIor in his arms. It was both tribute to Bernhardt and to France whose unconquerable spirit is revealed in this woman, who has triumphed over time and has emerged from suffering to resume her career on the stage.
 Three short pieces were presented last night in which Madame Bernhardt appeared, and one other playlet, bers of her company. "The Death of Cleopatra, a one-act play by Henrl Cain and Maurice Bernhardt, based on the final parting from Antony and the suicide of the Egyptian queen, rather than grace the triumph of Octavius Caesar, gave Madame Bernhardt an opportunity to portray a death scene, which she always makes so tremen- dously impressive, regardless of the part she may be playing. Naturally, woman Il years old. can not quite overcome the handicap of age in such a role, but she brought her art to her aid so effectively that age be- came, after all a minor consideration. At the close of the play she had swept away all misgivings and proved that she was still the Divine Sarah"
 Prom the Stage to the Field of Honor" the second play presented by Madame Bernhardt and her companE, is based on all incident of the war, in which she has taken such passionate interest It enables her to show in the character of young actor wound etl at the front while saving French flag from the enemy. the pure flame Of patriotism which has won the admlra- tion even of Germany for the mud stained poilu. When Bertrand falls back in his death agony shouting "Vive Ia Francer, it must have been indeed stolid spectator of the scene who did not thrill at the cry which swept back the German wave at the NIarpa and at Uar6uD
 The last act of Camille" a play which will ever be associated with Madame Bernhardt. could not have been excluded from the programme. although most patrons of the theatre have seen her in this drama, which she has probably played far more often than any other It offered trust worthy comparison with her acting in past years, and was truly revelation, for Madame Bernhardt is still superb as Camille
 M. Jean Angelo, as Antony and as Armand, was conspicuous and gifted member of the company. Miss Eliza beth Ormsby explained in prologues the plots of the three less familiar pieces, as they were presented.
 It may be that Madame Bernhardt will not return again. Another fare well" is hardly within the bounds or possibility, but it was gracious privilege to see her again, and if this is really "adieu,,' our best wishes go with her.