ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2188, 12 May 1908, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL.”

Tho stirring scenes of the French revolution, when the rapacious guillotine claimed the royalties and the aristocrats 'of France in scores for its daily food, afford wide scope for a romantic drama or novel, and now that these troubled times are fast becoming ancient history, they are frequently drawn upon by authors and playwrights, as a convenient period into which to place a story o!r love, daring adventurs, and villainy. In “The Scarlet Pimpernel” the Baroness Orczv has given the best of dramas, depicting England and France during tho days of the revolution, that lias yet been staged, and, as presen/ted: by Mr Julius Knight and the members of Mr J. C. Williamson’s dramatic company at His Majesty’s theatre last evening, was well worthy of the enthusiastic reception which it mot from a crowded audience. .

Tlio story of -the play does not follow too strictly upon the story of tho book, and. to bring the whole of the work of the League of tho Scarlet Pimpernel, a band of English gentlemen devoted to the rescue of their compatriots from the hands of the new republic, into a stage story made the dialogue at times rather 'crowded, and the explanatory speeches over-long. For some unknown reason the opening scene of the first act, showing the leader 0 f the League, the Scarlet Pimpernel, at work among the revolutionaries was cut out last evening, and soon after the curtain went up it became apparent that tbe speeches and situations of two scenes were being crowded into ohe. However, the omission was not serious; for the play is so constructed that the thread of the story is not ost at any time, and the issue is kepi back to the last. Tilie glimpse that is given of the revolutionary pel md, combined with the picturesque costumes of the reign of George--111. imparts a pleasant historical flavor, and the reckless daring of the unknown leader and his little hand of adherents adds a dash of adventure that is decidedly acceptable. Tbe plot of the -play, told briefly, is how the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel accomplishes the work it has set out to do how an agent or spy of the revolutionaries is set to work to dis?ZZ. tho , K ! cut , lty of the unknown cade!, and to lure him to .the guilllotiiie w Inch lie has so often cheated of its prey; how the spy, at a price, becomes aware of who the loader is and how ho is outwitted .in the end As Sir Percy Blackeney (the Scarlet Pimpernel) Mr Julius Knight presented a hue character study. The assumed mannerisms of the fop and dandy, which covered a nature vibrating with manly emotions and strong determination, were cleverly portrayed. Just occasionally, when opportunity occurred, the mask would be dionped, and the audience was .shown the real nature of the audacious man beneath the veneer. Tho conception was an artistic -Ltlchdin" of comedy and drama, of indolent stupidity and quick, strong determination, of apparent indifference and love. Against all tile iugeuuity of the leader of the League is matched the vindictiveness and deceit of Cha'uyelin, the French spy. Mr Leslie Victor undertook this part and it was in most capable hands. The character was studied to the finest points, and while intense and earnest never for a moment bordered upon the melodramatic. The Ghauvdin last evening was always an impressive and a most convincing .perorm in the unfolding of- tho story. Miss Ola Humphrey made an ideal! Lady Blaketiey. Her work was refined and convincing, her scenes powerful and emotional, while her comedy was natural and well controlled. Her playing throughout was consistent and artistic and stamps her as one of the most powerful actresses that has ever visited New Zealand. Mr Harry Plimmcr presented a clever study of the Prince of Wales. Mr Reynolds Den.niston made an excellent Sir Andrew F-foulks, while Mr H. J. Bentley was equally successful as Lord Anthony Deiwhurst. Mr Dudley Clinton presented a fine study of tho French landlord of the Hotel D’ Or, both his acting and make up being excellent. Tho other characters were the Comte do Tournai (Mr H! -AVnf.ters) the Vicomte do Tournai (Air A. L. Molvay), Armand St. Just (Mr Walter Hunt), Jeliyband (Mr G. Chalmers), Conitcsse de Tornai (Mis 6 Ada Stirling), Suzanne (Miss ELwyn Harvey), Sally (.Miss May Marlowe), and Mero Borogard (Miss Katie Towers).

Tiio 1 Sllx century atmosphere was well preserved throughout, both the scenery, and the handsome costumes being in thorough keeping. Two graceful minuets were danced, while the mounting and the music left nothing to be desired. “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA.”

To-night the company wiM appear in a dramatised version of Anthony Hope’s well-known novel “The IVsoner of Zenda.” The play calls for rich mounting and beautiful costumes. Mr Julius Knight will appear as Rudolph and Miss Ola Humphrey as the Princess Flavia. To-morrow night the company wild «i, l 2 ear + i f °vT' the , last t,iine this season "hen tho Napoleonic drama “A Royal Divorce” will be staged.