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This sketch entitled “Mr. Hamilton of New York” was twenty-two minutes long on the full stage.
A young woman named Olga Petrovich (played by Eleanor Parker) lives in Moscow. Her brother offends a Major in the Russian Hussars and is challenged to a duel to the death. The brother escapes. The Major then comes to Olga and offers to forget the offense if she marries him. She refuses. Mr. Hamilton (Ralph Stuart) from New York inexplicably arrives, falls in love with Olga, and offers to fight her brother’s duel for her because he looks like him. The duel takes place offstage and Hamilton is the winner.
Audiences at the Majestic have come to expect sub-par performances like this from established stars.
The sketch was not worthy of Stuart's talent. His character is too similar to others he has played before. Eleanor Parker is well dressed and plays her part ably. The big moment of the duel was less than exciting.
Source:
Variety 26:8 (27/04/1912)