Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-04-03
GILLETTE DELIGHTS
IN NEW BARRIE PLAY
Dear Brutus" is Fairy Story for
Ups, With More Than
One Moral Thrown In.

"Wonderful" has been more than, a
little overworked of late, but it may be
legitimatelv used in referring 10 the
qualities of the performance of the Barrle
play, "Dear Brutus," given by William
Gillette and his capable company AT
The Playhouse last evening. :,
In these DAYS of sixty million cahdie-
power search lights, like that which silver
ed the clouds outside the theatre iast
evening. and million dollar cinema produc-
tions which similarly dazzle the public,
consideration for the quieter side of
things is ovcrslaughed, not unnaturaliy,
TO a greater or less extent; and consequent
" il is a matter for esoteric enjoyment 10
have the opportunity OF approaching inc
work of an. imaginative master as inter,
preted by an actor of dramatic insight ana
corresponding ability.
The power of elfish sprites TO WORK
fantastic tricks on mere mortals IS prlmi-
tive notion that has retained rs hold on
the England of TODAY by natural success
sion through its older and more recent
ancestors. and finds particularly sympa--
tbetic propacandist in the creator OF
Peter PAN" His present play, however,
is more concerned with the changes 10
be looked for in the character OF men ana
women If we could 'see oursel as
others see u.s. and that "giftic he has
given us, vicariously..
Tho house party that is readlusted IN
accordance with its secret longings ny y
visit to the enchanted forest OF might
have bcens." only to find il easier 10
again adjust itself to life as IT IS TO be
lived when the cnchantment is worn
away. is typical of humanity at large
That the literary handling oi this theme
displays subtlety and hrilllance that
fascinate is only to be expected from such
a clever workman.
The tenderness. however, Of tho piln-
cipal episode, the glowing hour sren,tt by
Dearth, the artist, personlfioi BY Nilliam
Gillette, with the daughter of his dreams
is an achievement to be felt rather than
discussed: and il is high praise indeed 70
saw that the author is illuminated by the
actor AS is sometimes the case. the
truthfulncss of a character is felt vlcarlous-
" with most keenness. Certainly the art
of William Gillette is exhibited IN TINS
scene 10 great advantage, which implies
high appreciation of his sympathetic IN
sight into its significance.
The artistic assistance rendered by
Madge Bellamy as Margaret. the daugh-
ter. is likewise source Oi much pleasure
In another way. the antics Of William
Podmore, as Lab" the Puck Of the
play. were likewise artistic.
The other members Of the cast corre-
spcnded in case Of manner ard distinction
of appearance with the high STANDARD
REQUIRED. They included Marie VAIN
wright. who quecned il on the boards IN
days of yore, and equally ombcllishcs an
elderly part today, as Mrs. Coade
Violet kemblc Cooper as Lady CARO-
line lent a touch Of gold 10 the picture:
Frances Anderson as Joanna. Anne Nor
rison as Mabel Purdie and Hilda Moore
as Mrs. Dearth. likewise ornamented the
scene.
Thomas A. Braidon as Mr.. Purdie.
Grant Stewart as MIR Coade and Fred
Russell as Matcy were also effective.
There will be afternoon and evening
performances today.