Evening star., 1919-04-22
ADJUSTMENTS
New National.

II is not a matter for wonder that
in the light OF present world condi
tions so fanciful q mind Sir James
NJ. Barrie should create and SO ia
telleetual and distinguished a player
with 'groping beyond the veii as
its theme Not only is England filled
with hearts aching over the loss of
loved ones. but throughout the entire
civilized world millions mourn and
will not be comforted.
A Well Remembered Voice,
Earrie's newest dramatic novelty"
as it is described in the theater pro-
gram. which was presented with
finished skill and dramatic art by Mr.
Arliss and his brilliant supporting
company at the New National Theater
last night is devoted to the theme
popularity called Spiritism. which has
its most devoted adherents and its
equally scornful and bitter antagon
lists. 1t was perhaps this fact that
made the remarkable demonstration
which sought TO honor Mr. Arliss and
his company at the close of the brill
liant and delightful Davies comedy.
The MollIsc,' which preceded the
Barrie playlet. seem to wane and re-
semble a spent wave on the sands Of
the seashore at the close of the latter
last night.
a
Voice is unmistak kably clear. 1t is
not the sond but the hymn of OPP
timism, encouraged with the persua-
sion that it helps the loved ones be-
yond the veil if all traces of mourning
are abandoned and life is permitted
cheerful Indifference to the loss Ii
is beautiful and wholesome
thought. a constructive contribution
to shattered world. above price and
much TO be desired 1t is doubtful,
however. that the Barrie play cheered
4 single heart that mourned last
evening. and many of the delightful
authors most ardent admirers will
question that the play confirms con-
Tlction or inspires confidence. Il
seems absolutely ineffective in this
respect. however cOmmenda bic as a
dramatic contribution. Just why a
lost loved one should be permitted to
manifest himself to but one person
this side the veil will start an argu-
ment difficult to conclude. And the
play itself. after discrediting the
usual manifestation of spirit presence
at the seance table. by the very spirit
VINO is supposed to have communicated
with his mother in that way. almost
in the next breath makes the spirit
admit that the poetic quotation de-
veloped by the table manifestation
was the force which drew him to
communicate by voice with his father.
Such tangle is likely to leave the
heart yearnfng and struggling for the
truth in greater doubt than ever. The
Barrie play, like many of the modern
manifestations of the seance. admit
ting for the sake OF argument that
they are genuine. leads the hopeful.
cropping. sorrowing and bereaved up
to certain point and then abandons
them utterly without promise or even
nope OF further advance. The mystery
OF the veil is yet unsofved and the
yearning and mourning for its solu-
tion still go on unappeased
The Mollusc," Hubert Henry Davies
brilliant and amusing play. was a
genuine delight So much so. in fact,
that the very large and discrimirfat-
ing audience would not be appeased
until Mr. Arliss had made an exquisite
contribution to the PLEASURE of the
evening in the form Of a curtain ad-
dress. The theme of 'The Moausc,'
is pure and simple laziness. although
the author has defined the difference
between molluscry and laziness by
saying that the latter" drifts with the
tide that seeks to engulf it," while
the former resists with intellectual
skill and desperation.
Mr.. Arliss' portrayal of Tom Kemp
in The Mollusc" Justifies to the full
his right to a vacation in a lighter
role than those he has been play
ing for some years past. Philip Meri-
vale was excellent as the husband
of The Mollusc" who was imper-
sonated with refined skill and drama
tic artistry by Viva Birkett. Elsie
Mackay brought irresistible charm to
the role of the governess, completing
and unusually brilliant quartet in a
superb presentation OF the familiar
comedy.
But glimpse OF the zraee- and his
trionic- ability of Mrs. ArliSs was af-
forded in "a Well Remembered
Voice." in which Mr.. Ar1iss gave. a
pathetic characterizatioA Of a heart
broken father. who was yet able to
conceal his grief even from his own
wife and in spite of her reproaches.
Miss Mackay, George Wright, jr., and
Harry Maitland adequately filled the
minor roles. while MI Merivale, "un-
seen, was the voice"