BLOW FOR BLOW.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 907, 20 October 1910, Page 2

BLOW FOR BLOW.

A MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTION. We desire to congratulate the local amateurs upon the very successful production ot “Blow for Blow” iu the Public Hall last night. They deserved the appreciative references heard on all sides. Those who have witnessed previous efforts will agree with us that “Blow tor Blow” is the best attempt yet made by our amateurs. Our only regret is that the hall was not filled as it should have been, yet a more appreciative audience could not be desired. It: is regrettable to think that a travelling show with less to commend it than last night’s entertainment, can draw more out of the pockets of local residents. We are not as patriotic in this particular as we could be and we hope that our local deserving society will receive greater encouragement in this connection next time.

The plot centres round Lieut. Linden, an officer in the navy. The lieutenant is the successful suitor for the hand of Mildred Craddock, daughter of a lawyer. John Drummond, confidential clerkto Josiah Craddock, is also in love with Mildred Craddock and in order to improve his own chance speaks in insolent terms ol Linden, but is overheard by the latter, who thrashes him. Drummond vows vengeance and obtaining information that Craddock forged a cheque, exposes him, causing him to be transported, thinking that on account of this disgrace Linden will not keep his word with Mildred. The marriage, however, takes place, but Mildred dies very soon afterwards whilst her husband is abroad, and some years later Linden marries again, Drummond in order to be revenged on him seeks out Mildred's twin sister Alice, who had been turned adrift by her father some years previous. In order to gain his ends he poisons her mind against Linden, by telling her that he had ill-treated her sister and eventually gets her to impersonate Mildred. In company they visit Linden’s house and Drummond presents Alice as Mildred, first wife of Linden, and thus causes the separation of Linden and his second wife. Not content with this the villain desires to obtain money from Linden, and in approaching him for this purpose lets out a little more than he intended which eventually leads to his downfall. The few unguarded sentences spoken by Drummond arouse the suspicious ot Dr Grace, a friend of Linden’s who follows the matter up. Lady Linden, Linden’s second wife, visits Alice iu order to obtain the full details,

and from the information supplied by her Alice sees how she has been deceived, and decides to confess the whole plot. Drummond, hearing of this, makes an attack upon her, but is prevented by Dr. Grace from doing any damage. Alice then makes a full confession of what has taken place. Drummond, blusteringly denies the statement, saying the woman has gone mad, but Craddock, Alice’s father, who just arrives back in England again, is able to corroborate the statement as to her identity and thus restore happiness to the home of lieutenant linden. There was an absence of stiffness and stage nervousness on the part of the performers, which is so often a feature of like productions. The scenery and stage effects were very appropriate. The dressing and make-up, particularly in respect to the ladies, was excellent. “Josiah Craddock,” however, a city lawyer, looked anything but a dapper, smartly groomed legal luminary. This was due to the fact that the gentleman who sustained this role only put in an appearance (due to a bicycle breakdown while eu route from Palmerston) a few minutes before he had to face the footlights. “John Drummond’s” hair did not harmonise with that fearfullooking jet black “ mu.” In fact, this character’s physiognomy should not have been unnecessarily disfigured—rather the opposite; and we will draw a veil over the butlei’s magnificent “ mutton chops.” So much depends on a carefully studied make-up. But as against this, no fault could be found by the most exacting critic with the ladies’ stage appearances —they were excellent. The enunciation, almost without exception, was a marked improvement on previous performauces. “Lieutenant Linden” at times spoke in rather subdued tones and “ Josiah Craddock ” seemed anxious to make the pace a cracker, while “Charley Spraggs” has a tendency towards a nasal drawl that requires modulation. Apart from these very minor shortcomings none of the lines were lost. If we had the casting of the piece we should have transferred several of the male parts. As “Lieutenant Linden,” Mr A. McCall was letter perfect and looked well, but was just a little too docile. Mr F. D. Whibley, as the villain, had a difficult role to sustain and did it well, but he is more at home in roles other than this. As “Charley Spraggs,” Dr. Adams gave a good interpretation, but he lacks the “devil” that Furrie would have infused into it. Mr Geo. Fowler was particularly good as “Dr. Grace,” in fact his versatility is a valuable asset to the society. Mr Colder, as “Josiah Craddock,” gave a very fine interpretation of this character. The minor male parts were well sustained by Messrs K. H. Furrie and R. Bright. Miss Heunessy in the most trying and double roles of “Mildred Craddock” aud “Alice Petherick” surprised her best friends and acquitted herselt admirably. She did not attempt any flights of hysteria in the emotional parts, while her clear enunciation and stage presence were excellent. Miss Kempton, as the vivacious and charming “Kitty Wobbler” won her way to the hearts of the audience and her cheerful presence kept those present in a simmer of laughter every time she came on. Miss Levett excelled herself as “Lady Linden” aud looked as well as acted the part. Her handsome apparel in the last act gave this young lady a particularly attractive appearance. Miss Slattery filled the minor pari of the matronly “Mrs Moulsey” in a very natural manner.

On the whole, the performers individually and collectively did famously and with such excellent talent in our midst Foxtou need not take a secondary place to much larger centres in matters theatrical.

The music was supplied by Mr Betty’s orchestra and was greatly appreciated. Prior to the last scene Dr. Adams, on behalf of the Society thanked the audience for their attendance and intimated that the play would be again staged at a later date.