Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-07-01
AMUSEM
"The Gold Diggers."

AT the END OF the second ACT ol lhe
Gold Diggers" in the Shubert-Belasco
| last night came the ovation that is
now regarded as usual incident or
| a David Belasco production. Ina Claire
! was. of course, first in prominence and
deservedly SO, for she was not only
the heroine of the little story. but she
proved herself an actress of delicate
and sustained quality. Her triumph
was unqueStioned; conquest. Inc
more complete because it was attain
ed without the slightest trace OF ag-
gressive ostentation. Bruce McRae
came in for a great big share OF the
applause. He was the man who be-
gan by despising young women OF the
theater until he met Ina Claire Mr..
McRae is remarkably happy in the
portrayal of the true gentleman-a
gentleman. it may be remarked with
reference to this particular drama.
whether drunk sober. In scene
of special plot Significance it falls to his
lot to assume mild intoxication under
the vamping influence Of Ina Claire.
Miss Claire is generously seeking 10
convince Mr.. McRae that she is not a
proper person for his nephew ana
| heir to marry and that it would be
wise for him to use his influence over
said nephew to persuade Im 10
| marry the real girl of his choice, a
| DELIGHTFULLY."- demure little lady of
| the chorus. In order to disillusion
| Mr. McRae. Ina Claire behaves scan
dalously. He discovers the deception
| and not only marres Ina. but secures
the happiness of his nephew ana the
girl of his choice. The complications
which premit much clever character
delineation were devised by Avery
Hopwood. Conspicuous in the ova-
ton was Jobyna Rowland. whose APP
pearance last night, despite the hlgh
regard in which she was previously
held as an actress. amounted to a
debut. She represented talent tri
umphant Hitherto identified with
lines of sonorous romanticism. she
broke away from artificiality and de-
cIared herself a comedienne OF rare
and individual charm Her share in
the ovation was liberal and genuine.
The strongest element of interest in
Mr. Hopwood's little story of stage
life is the picture of the show girl
as she really is. 1t is sympathetic. 1t
has it's cynicisms. but they are di-
rected to the tired business man"
who insists on illusions for the pur-
pose CT his diversion. Mr.. Hopwood
was not present to respond IN person
to the applause.
Little roles had way of leaplnS
suddenly into highlight prominence.
For instance, there was Ruth Terry:
All she did was to describe the life OF
the show girl as hard battle with
avoirdupois and finally go back to
life of plain domesticity in st. Louis.
Yet she made her scenes moments OF
ecstatic hilarity, and the story OF her
experiments in horseback riding for
reduction purposes, although uncom-
promisingly emphatic in it's comedy.
was somehow gentle and feminine.
Pauline Hall. whose name is one Of
bright memories. appeared only in the
first act Her role was a we'll de-
signed reminder of the forgetfulness
that may close around a stage favo-
rite as the years depart. Her role
that of neglected stage favorite-
won it's applause. and most liberal
applause. in the first act. She did not
participate in the second act ovation.
The part played by Miss Hall. though
brief, is important, providing the ele-
ment of contrast and pointing the sad
| oblivion that may await the undis-
| puted heroine OF a transient season.
| The ovation did not cease until Mr..
BelaSco himself appeared to make his
Acknowledgements. He said he was
very proud of Miss Claire, and the
| statement seemed entirely reasonable.
| seemed quite proud of Mr.. Belasco.
! The program is interesting not only
| because of its distinguished names,
| but because of its comment. Its def
milton of gold digger sounds the
| keynote of the play:
Gold digger (noun)-"A gold digger
| is a woman. generally young. who ex-
tracts money and other valuables from
| the gentlemen of her acquaintance,
! etc"
The days Of 1919 are very different
! from the days of 40. and yet the adj
| venturous spirit has not entirely sub
sided.
| 1t is safe to suggest that those who
| do not see The Gold Diggers' this
| week will not see it in Washington
! for a long time. 1t is the kind of
| production that New York is likely to
! take to it's heart and not release until
after many. many moons. P. j.