The Washington times., 1921-01-23
Robert Do1vning, Eighth Street
Bow, Tells Old Staqe Stories

Robert Downing, the actor-evangel-
ist. who offers his 50eth performapce
in Ten Nights in a Bar Room" to-
night at the Shubert-Garrick, was
born in Washington on Eighth street
between X and l. streets. He visited
the neighborhood yesterday and found
the house still standing.
Though Downing has been on the
stage many years and has pl; yed
many parts. he is today as strong and
vigorous as he was twenty years ago.
His voice has all the old powerful
resonance. He understands how to
touch the heart and stir UP the
emotions as few actors of today can
approach and in the new version of
Ten Nights in a Bar Room" his
powerful Characterization will be long
remembered, and will live as long as
Joe Jefferson's RIP Van Winkle;"
David warfeld's Music Master"
Frank Bacon's "Lightnin :" and Dem
man Thompson's "Old Homestead"
Mr.. Downing played Spartacrs in
the Gladiator over 1000 II mes.
Many Washingtonians still remember
his powerful impersonation and the
great short sword combat in the play
with william Muldoon, the prom nent
wrestler and athlete, whom Mr.. Down
ing made famous.
Downing's other great roles were
| many in the classic repertoire. HIS
favorite parts were Othello, Vi
ginAus, d a m on and Sir Lucius
O'Trigger in the Rivals" Mr.. Down
ing developed some of the Interesting
younger members of the profession
whose names are prominently in the
limelight today.
William and Dustin Farnum, whom
Mr.. Downing regarded as his boys"
were first brought out by Mr.. Down
ing; also. william s. Hart, Robert
Drouet, Miss Henrietta Crosman and
J. Henry kolker.
Mr.. Downing is in the midst of his
third season in the part of Joe Nor
gan" and has been engaged for a
tour. of England and the provinces by
Mr.. Driscoll, president of the Trans
Canada 7heaters Limited. who by the
way has just returned from Eng and
bringing Sir Martin Harvey. the no ed
English actor, with him for a tour of
Canada.
Mr.. Downing's recollection of Ed
! win Booth and other confreres are in
teresting, and the sidelights he gives
on their eccentricities are frequently
amusing. Discussing Edwin Booth,
Mr.. Downing said: "I had the great
|
win Booth for three seasons when
that great actor was at his zenith, and
during that time had the most
charming and Intimate glimpses into
the social side OF Mr.. Booths life.
Despite his giant intellec5, his
| heart was vibrant with the sinpliciIy y
| Of little child"
Mr.. Booth related with gusto when
| his leading mana rather pompous
person-saw Mr.. Downing for the
| first time at preliminary rehearsal
of "Hamlet"-strode over and asked
| And what part do you play. young
man?" Downing replied-"The King"
OH quoth the leading man--"How
interesting, does Booth know it?"
OF Lawrence Barrett. Mr.. Downing
said "He was in a manner distant bui
| with his intimates, all heart. and
| loyalty and fond OF a Joke even at his
| own expense. Barrett remarked to
Downing one night at the theater: 81
| have been puzzling my mind from
what country in Ireland did your for.
bears come" Downing said; 81 think
Holland" Barrett retortcd: Now
| YOU have spoiled II, what n song and
dance team we would have made
''Brannigan and Downing CBran-
nignn was Barrett's real name).
In his long career. Mr.. Downing
had the distinction of being Mary An
derson's leading man. playing Romeo
| to her Juliet--Ingomar, Sir Thomas
! clifford, Pygmalion TO Miss Ander-
sons Galatea. Ludovico in "Evadno,'
and Huon ip Love" MIR. Downing
,poke glowingly OF Miss Andersons's 3
Ibcauty OF mind and heart and the
wonderful following she had in this
country and OF her Innate sense OF
| humor.
one night In the tomb scene Of
Romeo and Juliet. Mr.. Downing, who