Mack and Orth

Mack and Orth have written the songs they sing, including “The Coney Island Glide,” “O’Hara” (sung by Buster Keaton at Hammerstein’s a few weeks ago), and a number which allows Mack to show off what a great dialectician he is.

“The Wrong Hero” – Keller Mack and Frank Orth have taken a “piano act” and made into a comedy sketch. There is no attempt to make it a two-act or three-act, giving more entertainment. Most of the fun comes from Mr. Mack’s playing or singing. He has a funny face, full of comedy. In this piece he is funnier than when he was in blackface as a member of Quinlan and Mack. Mr. Orth is an exceptional pianist, but acts as more of an accompanist in this turn. He is a first rate “straight” and does well in his songs, especially his duet with Mack. The duet, “Follow Me,” should really be their conclusion, ending the act at 19 minutes rather than 24. But to bring “The Wrong Hero” to a proper close, they return with an encore. “Follow Me” would leave a stronger impression than the current ending. It is not necessary to reveal Mack as the wrong hero in this case; they can take it for granted that the audience already knows. Too much of the story is taken up by the early part, Orth giving money to Mack for believing he saved his child.

Variety 22:7 (04/22/1911)