Evening star., 1923-11-13
ADJUSTMENTS
Robert E. Lee"

When drama Is created with his
toric character as the central figure
success is more elusive than under
circumstances in which free rein is
given to the authors imagination, bu,
when attained it is the greater be.
cause of the very difficulties that are
inherent in the task. During much
of the action the observers mind Is
not definitely fixed upon the produc-
tIon as a theatrical work, but atten.
ton is divided between that and
the facts of history that have been
visualized
In the play of Robert E. Lee" which
was given by an admirable company
and with beautiful scenery adjuncts
last night at the Shubert -Belasco
John Drinkwater again faced the Sc
we're test inevitable when American
affairs are viewed through foreign
eyes, but had the favoring circum-
stance that his story was of one
whose career is invested with ro-
nance in the hearts of many Ameri-
cans. He has given a living portrait of
great man. revealing the develop
ment to an inspiring climax that is
essential to the stage.
The least that could be said of Mr.
the spirit of Virginia and the south
and gives reality to the sentiments
that moved men and women to uphold
the movement of secession. More than
that, there is realistic action taken
krom life itself and Skillfully reduced
dramatic form. His conception
HnpreSseS those who know the land
OF which he writes
From the standpoint of the con-
struction of a play there is one merit
yt1I hnr -.
the continuous interest, characteris-
TIC which is rarely noted In a histori-
cal play. for the customary attempt
TO adapt the action to known facts
usually results in some halting mo-
ments. These are uniformly absent
from Robert E. Lee" while. on the
other hand. there Is an abundance of
lighter qualities to present con-
trast to the great and serious task
mat confronted the commander of the
confederate forces. PICTURESQUE
phases center about the gathering at
the Lee house. Arlington Heights, on
the evening that followed Virginia. 3
momentouS decision
Through it all there is logical de-
Velorment to the final scene when
Lee stands OUT as the hope and sub
stance OF new structure to be erect
ed over the ashes of military defeat.
W G observe the real Lee of Virginia.
thinking always of the south and its
Yet so magnetic in his quiet, forceful
way as to have created for himself
an image of loyalty and service in the
hearts of all his followers.
If the test of dramatic worth is to
have created a consistent likeness Of
definite character in history, up-
lifting in its visible qualities and
surrounded by men of action and
similar devotion, then Mr. Drinkwater
has achieved something that ought
to live
Berton Churchilrs natural dignity,
combined with a, voice of unusual
quality and a carriage adapted to TIE
role, justifies his selection for the
character of Lee. He has been noted
throughout his career fer ability to
put distinction and sincerity into his
acting, with evidence of reserve power
and apparently without conscious ef-
fort, and this performance is one OF
his best. A contributing factor tc
the interest in the play is the quality
of the work of Alfred Lunt as David
Peel, one of the young Virginians
who surrounded Lee In his struggles.
He gave that necessary force to the
development of incident which, so
far as the stage is concerned, could
not have been expected frCm Lee
alone or with a less striking asso-
c;atc. His fine talents have full play
and he runs the whole range of emo
ttons with the skill of the finished
artist that he is.
Commendation also should be given
to David Landau, as "Stonewall"
Jackson. notable for human qualities;
James Durkin. as Gen. ]. f. B. Stuart;
Burr Mcintosh, as Gen. Scott: David
Peel's young associates, acted by
James Spottswood, Richard Barbee
and John Marston, and Eugene Pow
ers. as jefferson Davis.
Among the attractive stage settings
We're those within sight of the action
on Malvern Hill and the room at the
Lee house. with the Potomac observed
in the distance.
crowded house greeted the open
ing last evening President and Mrs
Coolidge occupied q box.