"THE MONK AND THE WOMAN."

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1742, 6 May 1913, Page 6

"THE MONK AND THE WOMAN."

I'UKSKNTKD BY THE MAHLOW DRAMATIC CO. "The Monk and tho Woman," a melodrama in four acts, by I'redk. Melville. Cast , Paul (a. Novice) Mr. Herbert J. Bentley Henri lie Montralo Mr. Billiard Vox I'cter fn. Monk) Mr, John It. Howard .lahez (a. .Monk) .Mr. Gilbert Emery .lolm (n Monk) Mr. Arthur Cross Father Ignaiiuei (a .Monk] ... Jlr. If. G. Care Captain J.a Tour Mr. \V. Henderson Ilarrierc Mr. Herbert Stanley Captain Armando Jlr. John Kirby The King Mr. Arthur Shirley Comtessc do Hello -Miss Myra, Ha.ssalt Unknown Girl Hiss Nettie Itolroyd Liano M.n-s Gwendoline Dories Mdmo. do Vigno Miss Oriel Hotsou Thero was no mistaking llio .spirit in which the audience received 'Frederick Melville's play "The Monk and tho Woman." Though probably not very complimentary to the author, the audience—a large one—laughed consistently throughout, and even in those situations which are usually described as thrilling there were shouts of hearty laughter, which assuredly demonstrated in no uncertain manner that the mission of the play, if it can be said to have a mission, is not a serious one, and that it is hardly worth the powder and shot that are said to have been expended on it. It is of tho ultraniclodrainatii! type, with the usual extravagance in characterisation and language, a great deal of swordflashing and swash-buckling braggadocio, and a bald and. unconvincing earthquake at the termination of a strenuous last act to send nil the bud people to perdition, and immolate the spotless hero and heroine. With some little ingenuity—entirely free from that subtle artistry which so often redeems otherwise poorly-constructed plays—Mr. Melville has made one Paul, a novice in a mediaeval monastery, his Sir Galahad. It is at this monastery that Linne, a court favourite, has sought shelter alter cscapiug from her desperate pursuer Henri do Jlontralo. There this villain discovers her, and with strange oaths, bids the monks keep her a prisoner until the morning. With unblushing effrontery this lady woos and wins the devotion of the young novice, who responds to the court beauty's advances without many .misgivings, winters Montrale with the morning to demand his captive, to be met with stout opposition by the monk, and some oi Liano's adherents, headed, by Captain Armando. Although Montrale is frustrated, tho ne.xt act sees them all prisoners at court, where Liane and Paul are summoned before a depraved King, who, after hearing the quondam priest tell him exactly what he thinks of him, orders nis execution, and Liane's marriage to Montrale. The Queen, however, who is in disfavour, helps Paul to escape, and ho by a' ruse takes Montrale's place at the in the Chapel lioyal, and to is married to Liane. Instead of being assassinated on the spot the Rood Paul is allowed his liberty, for one« more ho appears at a psychological moment to save his Liane from the amorous approaches of the King, and even as ho warns tho monarch of a plot to overthrow him, Montrale, the traitor, and his ruffians enter; the King is killed by a swordthrust, and amidst the shouting and the tumult (which by this time has deprived most of the actors of the full effect of their vocal powers) the walls of the chauteau are shaken by an earthquake, and fall in ruins, destroying all savo Paul and Liane, -who, unscathed, are revealed in a fierce red light, silhouetted against a wicked-looking volcano. Mr. Herbert Bentley, although inclined I to be unnaturally stiff and stagey, lent | as much dignity to the role of the novice j as tho author would permit. He threw a | good deal of fire into his speech beforo the King, and was properly bold and dexterous where he was called upon to (ight Montrale. That prince of evil-doers was spiritedly played by Mr. Hi'liard Vox, whose pcrcus-ion-iike enunciation was not in ill-accord with the swaggering bluster he was called upon lo assume. A. good deal of amusing comedy was provided by Mr. J. R. Howard as Peter, and Mr. Gilbert Emery as .Tabez, two illassorted members of the Monkish fraternity. Mr. H. G. Carr made a staid and dignified Father Ingatins. Mr. Arthur Shirley was responsible for a neat character sketch as the King, and Mr. .Tolin Kirby was in the picture a3 Captain Armando. Tho character of Liane, quaintly inconsistent throughout, found a capable exponent in Miss Gwendoline Dories, who rather cleverly personated the changes in the mind of a young girl who is not quite sure of herself. Miss Oriel Hotsou appeared as Madame do Vigne, Miss Myra Hassall as tho Countesse do Selle, and Miss Nettie Holroyd showed glfams of natural charm as the child in tho Woodman's hut. "The Monk and tho Woman" is capitally mounted and dressed. It will bo played throughout the week.