Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-06-04


4 and bloodless. "DeclaSSee,"
considered a rip-snorting drama.
and acted so brilliantly by Ethel
tically shook with bewilderment
than she had ever been before
things which the theater had ne
The revival of "Declassee" this week
at the National, with Miss Barrymore
PLAYING the role that was a high tide
in her career, is an interesting expert
ment which some will like and others
won't, but one which also proves that
while a play may become messy ana
outmoded, its star can carry OH
its traditions with many OF the 1ull
feelings and elegance that were hers
back in the balmier days of Is years
ago.
Not having seen Miss Barrymore as
Lady Helen Haden at that time, We
questioned some of those who had
seen her. in the large audience that
welcomed the star back last night to
the National. Almost unanimously
thew admitted that she retained much
of the vigor, most of the mannerisms
and considerable Of the looks, admit
she would do we'll to raise her voice
above the small whisper that was
lost past row last night.
When, therefore, she does this and
the patrons who sat breathleSsly on
the edge of their chairs waiting Tor
her every word can hear every word,
then this revival may be viewed, not
with the excitement of seeing a great
play, but with the interest that comes
when an antique is made to shine
once again by the sheer determination
of its star. For Miss Barrymore was
good last night-whether you could
hear her or nOt-and whether you
thought that the play was not such a
one as the winner of this year5s Pulit-
ger prize might have written.
Il
WHEN Miss Atkins wrote this play
w card sharks were very much in
the air and the plight of poor Lady
Helen Haden was one on which ladies
liked to ponder. Having caught two
Founders shutting five or six aces al
the same time in a pack of cards in
her fashionable living room, and hav-
ing at the same time TO deal with q
husband who was what was known
then as Intoxicated and then by
Jimmy, if the gentleman bounder
Warren Parker didn't up and con-
front her with some extremely warm
love letters-she was what would be
called today "on the spot
Not only was she on the spot, but In
another minute she was out of the
rio1 HttSh no nd
kicked her into the cold and Snatched
bis good title from her.
From then on she became a good
and thorough "declassee"-going so
far as to move to New York; to sell
her pearls one by one to allow Mr..
Rudolph Solomon 10 say sweet words
to her, and to meet new and strange
and rather ratty people.
All of this was going along very
we'll indeed when the bounder came
back into her life-nicely done over
by South Africa. together with most
Of the other people who had been with
her at the beginning of her downfall.
You know what happens after that
the running out-the accldent-the
fearful explanations-and the last
cially well.
ALL of these situations were handled
"A last night by the National Players
with the eagerneSs that comes when
after only a weeks rehearsal they are
anxious to please their guest star. j.
Arthur Young had some splendid
scenes with Miss Barrymore probably
the best in the play and Warren
Parker. while only youngster. stood
up next to Miss Barrymore and an
swered her back with amazingly calm
good will.
Then there was the oncoming Ed
wilma Wise who may sOmeday be an
other Hepburn) as Alice Vance; Ade-
laide Hubbard, in new white dress
that Sparkled with beads. and Ruth
Lee who continues her series Of con-
vincing characterizations and who is
one of the most capable players this
company has ever known.
Present also was Maud Howell
Smith, handsome in a Powered some