"A WOMAN OF IMPULSE"

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1793, 4 July 1913, Page 9

"A WOMAN OF IMPULSE"

HAMILTON-PLIMMER COMPANY. "A Woman of Impulse," a drama in four acts, by Victor Wiunell. Cast of characters :— Sir Matthew Wcet Winter Hall tiir George Jjangiord xiarry Glimmer Uarl Kavourac il. it. ltobertu Ooloncl lloaxy Chullate Arthur Btyim Jack Jeffries ; Sitmey Sterling Dr. Barlleit 0. atuart L'lyuo Jean Herirand Paul Latham Inspector lirenton Cyril .Bell Sub-lu6pcctor Kwn 0. J. Btewart Mrs Dudley Mrs. .Robert lirough ilertlm Uudley Ena Collins Mrs. Coulsoil Katio Towers Mason Muriel Hale iinti ILinnie Conway l*iay Lai;;fo;'d Beatrice Day The Haniilton-Plimmer Dramatic Company, which commenced a season at the Pperu House last evening in Victor Widnyll's drama, "A Woman of Impulse," is happy in the possession of two potent aids to success; firstly a very strong company of highly capable and experienced players, and secondly a play the atmosphere of which is surcharged with dramatic energy. Since the change in the proprietary of tho company has been niaiie, its personnel has been augmented by the engagement of such sound actors as Mr. Harry Roberts, Mr. Sydney Sterling, Mr. Arthur Styan, and Mr. Winter ilall, whilst many play-lovers will learn with pleasure of the-return of such sterling artists- as Miss Beatrice Bay and Mrs. .Robert Brough, all of whose names instinctively revive memories of performances difficult to forget in the higher ■plane of the drama. ' Such an. association could not but "paint the picture as they see it," as each is-sincere in his or her work, and sincerity ia tho handmaiden of art. - Whilst the play grips tighter as it grows, the author has found it difficult to aroid a first act rather burdened with detailed explanations—a common failing—but from that out tho action of, the play warms up into tense situations almost "Sardonesquo"' in character, and which keep the audience deliciously excited. Set in our own times, it is a play full of political interest. Sir George Langford, a young politician with a charming but spendthrift wife, has just been elevated to the Ministry, and is naturally, the subject of hearty congratulations from all his immediate friends, including" his .guide, philosopher and' friend, Sir Matthew West, Jack Jeffries, an inveterate roamer, Mrs. Dudley (Sir George's aunt), and Bertha Dudley (has niece). Among those having the entree to the Langford mansion is -one Carl Navourac, a wily diplomat of a Foreign Power, and he it is who first suggests the fascination that exists in subtle diplomatic intrigue to Lady Langford, whose only thought hitherto had been to thoroughly enjoy herself Tegardles? -of any mundane considerations as to cost. As the wife of the Minister con-trolling the Colonial Office, the softly, suavely, suggests to the amazed woman how they could be .mutually helpful to one another. Indignant and scornful, she rejects these diplomatic advances, and so draws- Navourac's claws from their sheaths. Did she know that the Malatanga Expedition, (of which Sir Matthew's only son was a member) had failed, and that its members had boen butchered ? Did she know how tho massacre had been brought about? Did she know, that it was brought about through Hie theft of plans - from the Colonial Office by her father. Colonel _ Henry Challace? She defies the foreigner, who, ever resourceful, calls in the bibulous, soion of a noble family, cind forces a ct iifessioii of the crimc from the man. With Lady Langford under his thumb, Navourac pursues his devious schemes/until the woman is tortured past endurance. He asks Iher-t-o leave suddenly tor the Continent to protect an assassin who has jnade an attempt on .the life of an Austrian Prince. The man is being hunted down, but his hiding-place is not known. ■ In giving Lady Langford her instructions she suddenly realises the r ? Sl on'fi can oe of what is being asked °| ner, and that Navourac has told her of the hiding-place of the assassin in' KP OSO i e a " Europe is interested. Wrought to the breaking point, she defies Navourac,. aml threatens to --ring for the police, when-Sir. George enters,' and conversationally informs his wife and Navourac that the would-be assassin .had .br-en secured, and that several important, ar'rssts would-take, place that .night in London As -soon as Sir George leaves the; room, Navourac becomes terrorstricken. He dares not return to his rooms, yet must arrange for the destruction of his papers, arnohg which is a letter from Lady Langford admitting her father's guilt in regard to the Colonial Office theft. In a strong scene sh-3,offers to go to his rooms and destroy all his papers if lie wilt return the letter in question. He consents. She visits Navourac's room, and there is confronted by Sir Matthew West, who naturally puts the worst construction on her visit. Sha blurts out some lie about being in Navourac's debt, and that he had paid to destroy 'his papers, and begs to be allowed to do so. Sir George, bidden by a mysterious note, Miters the room; there, is a scene of electric intensity between husband and wife as to the latter's relations with Navourac, in the middle of which the police enter to search for Navourac and his papers. Among the latter is Lady Langford's letter, which the police return to her unopened. Fearing to expose her fathers guilt she refuses' to reveal its contents, and Sir .George finally forces a confession from the distracted woman that it is a-love letter. The last act sees Navourac a fugitive, and even as die seeks shelter from the police he confesses to Sir George what the contents of the letter really were, and that sdcli a thought as love had never passed between himself and Lady Langford. Then follows tho "happy ending," brightened by the news that tho Malatanga Expedition had succeeded after all.' Incidental to the main story is the pretty love affair between Jack Jeffries and Bertha Dudley, and the amusing philosophy of Sir George's scandal-mouger-jng, money-grubbing aunt, Mrs. Dudley. The.acting was of a high grado all round. Miss Beatrice Day had a most exacting role aa Lady Langford, which slio invested with a womanly brightness, intellectuality, and refinement. There were times, too, when she rose to the dramatic demands of her role with appealing force. Mrs. Brough contributed a thoroughly amusing sketch as Mrs. DudIcy, and Miss Ena Collins was naively demure as Bertha Dudley. The outstanding performance of the play is the Navourac of Mr. Harry Roberts, a character albeit which lends itself to theatrical colour. But Mr. ltoberts never exaggerated, was over restrained, forceful, and. ingenious. Sir George Langford was safe in the hands of Mr. l'limmer, who was exceptionally compelling in the big scene of tho third act. A delightful sketch of the brandyloving old degenerate, Sir Henry Challace, was presented by Mr. Arthur Styan, and Mr.-bidney Sterling, as Jack Jeffries, made the most of his comedy scenes with Bertha Dudley, and her designing mamma. "A Woman of Impulse" will bo played to-night and to-morrow night, and on Monday that popular conicdy, "Dr. Wake's Patient," will be revived.