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22 Min. F.S. This is a typical play on an archaic theme. It is mainly Miss Countiss’ reputation made in Bijou stock here and the fiery swashbuckling finish of the play that saved it. The theme concerns the love-affairs of a nobleman and a young hero, both in love with a high-born woman. She is induced to enter a tavern where she meets and is wooed by the young man in a very spiritless manner. She repulses him, but promises to listen if he will prove his bravery. In order to test it herself she dons a man’s costume and goads him into a more spirited mood. She finds him suddenly changed to a good deal of a bravo and bully. His lordship enters with a friend at this point, and discovers that the young man’s companion is a woman. He first insults the latter, then discovers her identity. Thereupon follows a very thrilling duel in which the hero proves himself very much of a man and not at all a coward, and puts his rival and his rival’s friend to rout after overturning everything on the stage. Miss Countiss is very charming and pleasing actress, and favorable here. Although not strong in the masquerading role of a young man (so that this part seems devoid of sincerity and lacks the convincing note), nevertheless Mistress Betty Belmont discloses her identity and strength of the part gives the actress a better opportunity to display her talents, for she is certainly talented. Big applause at the close and two curtain calls, mainly on account of the swashbuckling duel. This is a case in which a play is written backward from a strong finish.
Source:
Keith-Albee managers' report book, February 4-September 9, 1907