Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-04-27
Barrymore Boys
ReUiue Thriller
NoaO Appearing IN "The
JEST" an Italian
MelOdramd.
ny ZAYDA GLOVER.

NEW YORK. April 2G.-Twcnty years
ago the leader Of the American stage
in powerful romantic roles was Bar
rymorc-Maurice-of imposing pres
cncc. of moving voice. Of virile method,
OF Keen technique, OF commanding in
,crcst. Evidently these rare dramatic
qualities run in the barrymore blood
For these same histrionic qualities. cx-
emplihed by two later Barrymores. are
most remarkable presentation of The
Jest" a play from the Italian. long
known as thrilling melodrama but
never before presented in this coun-
Try except for a single performan
3r the brilliant Sarah Bernhard.
III" brothers. John Barrymore, a son
OF Maurice. and Lionel. another son.
&c responsible for this sensation or
The New York theatrical season. When
a metropolitan audience cheers Il per
Torrance. YOU may be sure i: must be
easily laugh at foolish farces. they
applaud pretty musical comedies but
when they rise up and cheer tumul:u-
onsiy ut melodrama. that's something
mutter and Potash would say. II takes
impressive scenes and powerful act
Ing to arouse such a reception. The
rymorc brothers furnish more than
adequate acting.
Best Work of Career
Both men have long line Of sue
ccssful INTERPRETATIONS behind them.
able success in Redemption" this
season. But his work in The Jest" is
easily the best in his career. The
same may pc said of the work OF Lionel.
SO when one gets these two fine, young.
virilc actors on the same stage at the
same time. one can easily imagine the
resul;-a resul, that Is one of the
dramatic sensations OF recent years.
The play is typical of the Italian
tragic school. il tells story Of ele-
mental passions in fierce conflict
dominant note is revenge Its eus-
pcnse quickens almost to the final
spoken word.
na dGhn B a5,S,n c,s enac,s young
ascctic. weak in BODY and courage.
hut mentally alert and cunning Lilo
mel as Seri; depicts great bravado
and courage, The characters are In
antithcsis. Both arc equally we'll done
Set Upon ny Enemies.
The story IN brief is OF Gianetto
set upon by bruta! enemies and made
ing soul plots fearful revenge. He
FIRST makes drunk Neri. the leader of
this band OF enemies. leads him into
brawl in which nc is beaten and
beloved woman ana finally by rare cum
ming tcmpts him into the Staying of
his own brother.
John impersonates the weaklInE
with notable delicacy and sensitive
ness. Hc develops tho detail with inn
prcssivc imagination and "a finished
technical skin that in every word and
move cvinces the true artist.
Depicts Shades of Cruelty.
Lionel In the opposite role is no
less vivid. He depicts every shade of
cruelty, brutal passion and blind
frenzy with power that provokes in
every auditnr the creeps.
One comes away from Tho perform
ance Mortified at the tragedy but en-
thusiasiie over the art.
Out OF this remarkable brother"
production has sprung the report that
greater things arc planned for this
pair OF talented young men. 1t is
nothing less than revival next sea
role OF the melancholy Dane and Ii
one in the role OF the crafty king
Now, II they, could but add TO the cas-,
Of the distranGht Onhelia, that would
be performance worth going miles
10 sec; And what monument il
would be to The name of barrymore
Cinim Record for Sncce>ses
Conan Harris are taking pride
these days in the fact that they hold
we o; seasons record among theatrical
number OF successful plays in New
York for the longest time. The firm
has at present on Broadway four at
fractions all established in popular
itE-from the nine months run Of
Three Faces Fast" the first OF the
seasons dramas TO approach a three
Prince There Was" George NJ Cohan's
comedy success. which has played to
capacity audiences since Christmas:
Mrs. Fiske has scored a noteworthy
success, now in its third month: TO
The Royal Nagabond." the novel
"Cohanized opera comiQue," also in its
third month Of record success
Both Mr.. Conan and his partner Sam