The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1917-09-11
NationaI-George Arliss In
sHnmIffon.v


The public Is indebted TO George
Arliss for his mastery portrayal OF
Hamilton at the National Theater
last evening, a revival OF interest In
the heroes Of the nation being most
propitious in this time Of stress The
play also exemplIfies anew the truism
that our attention In any past era is
not won BY what is different from our
own age. but by what is common to
IL. Change the settings of Hamilton's
day. bring the conventional phrase
ology Of the period down to date, and
behold you have a convincing drama
of modern times, for the virtues and
vices of human kind do not change,
and life's experiences are common to
all ages of history.
The evening was a pleasant one in
many ways. The audience was large,
the atmosphere cordial, and Mr.. Ar
liss was finally compelled to acknowl-
edge by n well-turned and graceful
speech OF thanks the tremendous
demonstrations of approval OF his
new play. The first years OF the re-
public was one OF the most pictur-
esque N American history, and Ham,
ntcn played a vital part in shaping
the new nation. The drama is an ef-
fective picture Of the period, when
diplomacy and political intrigue fig
ured largely in the new republican
court OF President George Washing
ton. II comprehends the plot of a
group Of Hamilton's political enemies
TO encompass his ruin.
While Mrs. Hamilton was in Europe
a chain of compromising circum-
stances was woven about Alexander
Hamilton and a certain Mrs. Rey-
NOTES.-The incident is well known to
those familiar with the life and ca
reer OF this brilliant statesman who
served the nation before he served
himself. The story provides abun-
dant material for the dramatist and
actor, and Mr.. Arliss has made good
use OF splendid opportunities. His
toric hgures are prominent and many
in the new play. and Mr.. Arliss stated
before the curtain last evening that
the attitude which he has ascribed
TO them in the matters treated of in
the play is abundantly borne out by
national records.
The production bears every token
Of long and earnest study and infinite
planning. 1t quite evidently Is an
achievement of long cherished am
bition. Every character in the play
apparently involved close and dis
eliminating research for historic
truth, and Mr.. Arliss gives us a most
satisfying glimpse of this American
patriot OF incOrruptibIe integrity. the
soldier Of approved valor, the states
man Of consummate wisdom"
The distinguished players support
IN the main, catches the spirit of the
play and gives well-balanced per-
Torrance. Carl Anthony's Thomas
Jefferson was especially good. as was
Wilson Day as Mr.. Justice John jay.
Mrs. Arliss was fine and sincere as
Betsy Hamilton and Jeanne Eagles
must be credited witt an effective
performance Of the notorious Mrs.
Reynolds.
Hardce Kirkland's James Monroe
presents the distinguished VirEinian
in an unhappy light. and John ID.
RavOld is Congressman Giles, an
other enemy Of Hamilton. George
Woodward was good, old. wholesome
Gen. Philip Schuyler. while PeI Trcn-
ton and Guy Favieres also presented
effective concentrations.
This pleasing historical pIav is de-
cidedly worth the attention OF wash
ington's intelligent theaterEoers.