JULIUS KNIGHT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2133, 16 July 1907, Page 2

JULIUS KNIGHT.

“RAFFLES.”

In tho theatrical world tlio magic name of Williumson is . associated ill tho playgoer's mind with tho host that is on tho tapis; and coupled with the name of Julius Knight, tlio actor who lias dolightod thousands ol Australasians in his liigh-class roportouo, the combination has everywhere attracted crowded houses. Oisborno is no exception to tho rule, and last night His Majesty’s Theatre was filled to overflowing when tho noted Kuriles” was introduced to _ the local public. It would he painting the lily to say that tho “house” was enthusiastic ; tho frequent peals of laughter and salvos of applause wore the best criterion of tho audience s approbation. Suffice to say that the play was presented with all the artistic mush and elaboration incidental to all tlio Williamson productions. Described a« a comedy-drama Alailies” is largely made up of all attributes of melodrama. There aie light shades of humour, it is true, but the powerful story . lias an underlying vein of pathos in the unhappy lot or “Raffles.” Handsome, . debonnair, and a society favorito “the amateur cracksman” hides his guilty secret under an assumed gaiety that deceives even his best friends. It is only occasionally that he is betrayed into giving vent to his depth ol manly feeling. Such as when a confession e love is wrung from him and be stands a true friend to a society companion. But this is anticipating. Raffles, when first seen, is a young follow of exuberant sprits and tl:e “finest slow bowler in England. But his talent for amateur burglary is ins undoing. As be explains to Ins tneiiit Bunnv subsequently it is in h's blood.” A genial house party at Milehester Abbey discuss with Bold Amerstoth, a harmless and eccentric old party, bis patent burglar proof safe Ladv Melrose’s diamonds are supposed to fie deposited there with tho knowledge of all present. The same evening Bunny, Raffles |' v 'Join friend, confides to Ins old schoolfellow that ho has lost £l5O to Lord Crowley at cards, and the hazardous determination to help him out of his troubles through the medium of the aforesaid jewels, enters Raffles’ mind. He moeniously plans a neat burglary, even under tho allegedly eagle eyes ot a celebrated American detectne, Cuitis Bedford, who is wrapped in slumber in an arnib-eliair at the crucial moment. Bv a remarkable coincidence, peculiar, ill melodrama, a typical burglar of'the Bill Sykes stamp arrives on tlio scene with the same intent, and is ignommously handed or er to the detective by the triumphant Raffles, who has the purloined jewels in his own possession. Ibo Sherlock Holmes vows to recover the jewels bj midnight and tlie amateur, with an eye to relieving his friend s pecuniary, troubles, enters into a wager of £loU that he will not be successful. Kyents move rapidly and a good deal of the plot centres round this wager. A Mrs Vidal, whose antecedents are known to Raffles, and whose love is scorned by tho amateur cracksman, in a fit of jealousy assists the minion of tho law. There is an exciting scene when Cravshaw, the professional burglar, bursts into Raffles apartments and, stung into fury by the other s defiance and taunts, holds a revolver to the amateur’s head. Deliberate murder is averted by the undaunted Raffles, recounting in cool and graphic style, whilst yet cornered, the awful and inevitable doom of a murderer. The gruesome word pourtrayal utterly overcomes the professional, who sinks into a chair shuddering at the fate he has so narrowly escaped, whilst the resourceful Raffles secures tho revolver. In an emotional scene Bunny, the aforementioned friend, learns from Raffles’ own lips of the part' he had played ill the burglary, and shortly before the minions of the law are pounding at the door Raffles, who has resolved to fly the country, takes leave of G wendoline Conron, the woman who was all in all to liim, but whom he deemed himself utterly unworthy of. A strong appeal to the emotions, also, was the scene in which previously he had pleaded his friend s cause, whilst her heart was filled with love for Raffles alone. There is an exciting finale, working tlie audience into a high pitch of feeling, when Raffles, having led the police officers to the idea that he had committed suicide, succeeds in eluding bis would-be captors. The bet is won, the woman betrayer is recognised for her part in a former robbery, but tlie curtain rin"s down with the audience unsatisfied. Tlie central figure is a fugitive, and the “house” feels grieved that the love of a virtuous lady is fated, by circumstancfes, to end only in heart-aclie. On the whole interest is strongly maintained throughout, hut in the earlier stages there is an irritating vapidness in the dialogue. Probabilities are a secondary consideration with the playgoer, who wants excitement and entertainment, and these hitter attributes certainly are blended in an interesting story. In tlie name part Mr. Julius Knight presented a very striking character. Raffles’ moods were most realistically pourtrayed. Raffles’ charm of manner and manliness taking a “grip” of the audience from curtain rise to the end of the. chapter. Mr. Julius Kniglit is an artist in any role, and in “Raffles” his great reputation is upheld in every respect. Mr. Hubert Willis Had a fairly heavy part to sustain as Curtis Bedford, the detective, and succeeded admirably,( though tho authors of the piece seem to have a limited conception of what a stage Sherlock Holmes should lio in the eyes of an audience. Not a great deal was seen of Mr. Harry Plimmer. as Craysliaw tlie burglar, lmt whilst on the boards this was a noteworthy role. The low type of mail, at such a disadvantage in a war of wits with tlie polished ama-

teur, and his blood-thirsty vindictiveness at being out-manoeuvred, were cleverly pourtrayed. Miss Marion Grey, as Gwendoline Conron, showed her qualities -as a brilliant actress. Though the part was not very prominent, it was exacting in treatment, and the scenes in which her lovo for Raffles was made manifest were features of the story. A difficult and unlovable character, that of Mrs. Vidal, was taken by Miss Elbert-Orton, who gave a very fine interpretation of the scheming lady fervently in love with the gentleman cracksman. Mr. Leslie Victor made the most of the part of Lord Amorsteth, whose little eccentricities provided a hearty laugh, and as the French maid, with quaint English, Miss Elfjfb Wilson, was seen to advantage. The minor parts were all in ca])able bands, and the dressing and staging generally were elaborate and effective.

“BRIGADIER GERARD.” The company’s second appearance w ill be in the present London success, “Brigadier Gerard,” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The play ranks as one of Mr. Knight’s best efforts, and the eulogistic reports of his performance are most unanimous. The interest of the doings of the impetuous young soldier, as pourtrayed by Mr. Knight, is sustained right through the piece. The character is one that suitk this actor, who spares M 3 pains in his efforts to do it justice. The story is a most romantic and stirring one of the Napoleonic period and is full of substance. It is a highlv interesting story, and contains a fine mixture of love, intrigue, and politics. It tells of the doings of Captain Gerard, who seeks to secure certain State papers, the property of Napoleon, by means of t]ie Comtesse do Roquelaire, a lady with whom he is in love. The papers aro in a cabinet belonging to the famous Tallvrafid. Tile excitement involved in gaining these documents with a love store interwoven result in some striking stage pieuros. Mr. Julius Knight and Mr Wiliamsun’s company will make their final 'appearance to-morrow evening in the brilliant play'“Robin Hood.”