The Washington herald., 1921-11-29

A year ago. in this city, Walter
Hampden played Macbeth for the
first time. Some few spectators,
among them this reviewer, voiced =
little disappointment that the effect
should seem to fall short of the
distinction that had marked the
same players rendering of Hamlet.
But from here Mr.. Hampden took
his production forthwith to Broad
way, and the critics of the me-
tropolis, with one exception, ac-
claimed him as the best Macbeth
of the generation. Mr.. Woollcott,
of the Times. was the dissenter.
One of Mr.. Hampden's admirable
traits Is a continuing impulse to-
ward bettefment. His Hamlet mel
lows with the seasons. and his
Macbeth. as seen at the Garrick
Theater, last night, is a long cry
from last years beginning. In al
most every line and gesture IL re-
veals studious care and deeper un-
derstanding. His rendering of
those haunting speeches. more
charged with magic of the spirit,
perhaps, than anything else in the
treasure house OF English poetry.
at least gives evidence of a loving
comprehension. an urgent care for
the true transmission OF the poets
meaning. Perhaps in another year
this result may be won with a less
manifest strain, smoothing out Of
staccatos, a more gracious music.
In the general effect of the pro-
duction the Improvement is vast.
The personnel is much the same,
the changes in procedure are slight,
or at least elusive, but the scenes
carry themselves through with an
assurance. a vividness and yiamor,
that can be attributed only to q
pervading atmosphere of enthusi-
asm. Too much cannot be said
for Mr.. Hampden's power to hold
and inspire a company whose mem
bers bear themselves as artists.
Down to the last witch or lady in
waiting, there are no false lights
in the Hampden galaxy.
Can Ernest Rowan be the sam"
ria cduff who capped the murder
scene at that premiere year
ago. with a riot of ranting? He
was in the company, surely. but
perhaps in another part. At any
that will satisfy the most judicious.
Miss Mary Hall still plays Lady
Macbeth. with the power and dig
Sauter is a quiet and effective Ban
quo. Many of the lesser parts
are exquisitely rendered.
Mr.. Hampden would do well to
drop the murder of Lady Macduf
and her boy. The inclusion of thi.
scene is an innovation. among mod.
ern stagings of the play. begun, II
memory serves, by Ben Greet as ar
incident to his dispensing with
elaborate scenery and long inter
missions. 1t is quite unnecessary
to the unfolding of the drama, clogs
the action and piles up the slaugh-
tering too thick for comfort. Many
theater goers. insensible to the
sheer beauty of the lines. are in
clined to regard Macbeth" as q
stark melodrama. The Lady Mac
duff scene adds to this prejudice.
Perhaps that is one reason the
little Garrick had plenty of room
last night, except in the balcony
1t is astonishing, when you think
of it. that so fine a production
should cause so little stir in a city
thronged with people who know a
thing or two.
Some special music I'm the trum-
pet line behind the scenes went
horribly wrong last night, for an
unknown reason. finally exciting
the balcony to ironic clappins
whenever ii started. 1t was triv-
ial flaw in a memorable evening.
r. c.