The Bioscope (May-Jun 1915)

Tue Bioscore, JUNE 17, 1915. JOHN BARRYMORE “ ARE YOU A MASON?” The Celebrated Farce by FAMOUS PLAYERS. REVIEW. fee BARRYMORE, the popular comedian, whose work in * An American Citizen” and “The Man from Mexico” has placed him high in the estimation of the picturegoer, achieves a success in “Are You a Mason?” that will certainly add to his army of admirers. The play is too well known in this country after its long run to need a detailed description. Every playgoer will remember the young husband, who, needing an excuse for his “night out” pretends that he is a Mason, Owing ta the fact that his wife has always wanted him to join the Masons on account of her father being Grand Master of his Lodge, thts is very much to her satisfaction and also to his, as he is provided with a ready-made excuse.for his delinquencies. Of course, having been sworn to inviolable secrecy, he cannot disclose anyth.ng of his actions or whereabouts. His bliss is short-lived, however, for his wife's father, the Grand Master, pays them a visit and complications ensue. It now transpires that his father-in-law ts no more a Mason than he is, and the agontsed antics of the two men on meeting, when both try to give the correct “ signs” in order to avoid exposure results in a delicious situation. How the father-in-law is finally cornered by his clever son-in-law, who, coming out victoriously from the chavs he has created ends the comedy in a roaringly laughable way. The burden of the work is, of course, on Mr, Barrymore’s shoulders, but he is ably supported by Charles Dickson,: his * father-in-law,” and in their scenes together they are excruciatingly funny. 1157 BESSIE BARRISCALE IN “THE ROSE OF THE RANCHO” A Drama by JESSE L. LASKY. STORY OF THE PLAY. N the year 1850, when the Government at Washington decreed that all ranch owners must register their properties, the Spanish Rancheros of California, already seemingly humiliated by coming under the rule of the hated “ Gringos,” refused to comply, and a_ system of claim jumping or setzures developed. 7 he Government learning of the land jumping sent Kearney, a secret agent, to California to investigate. Kincaid, a conscienceless scoundrel, dearns that Senor Espinoza has vowed that he wili never register his land, and seizing the opportunity, Kincaid and h.s men ride down on the Espinoza family and Kincaid takes possession of the ranch. Isabelita, the eldest daughter, knowing her fate at the hands of the gang, kills herself. Riding across country on the way to old Monterey, Kearney encounters Jaunita (Wanita) the rose of the Castro ranch. Using the pretext of strangers mutually attracted to each other, the one asks the way to Monterey and the other gives the direct.on. Jaunita, although engaged to the rich Don Luis, continues her flirtation with Kearney. Kearney, learning of the Kincaid raid on the Espinoza ranch goes to warn Jaunita. Jaunita takes the warning in an indifferent manner and her mother refuses to take Kearney’s advice. Kearney sees Kincaid surveying the Castro ranch and goes to the padre at the Misston House and begs him to use his influence with the Castros to prevail upon them to register their ranch boundar-es. To church, through the padre’s garden, comes Jaunita, and the padre brings them together. All coquetry vanishes and Jaunita admits she loves the dashing Gringo. Don Luis who witnesses the pretty scene, rushes to Castro ranch and tells Jaunita’s mother. Kearney wins Kincaid’s friendship and learns that he intends setzaing the Castro ranch. He prevails upon Jaunita to secure the papers, rushes to the registry office and returns in time to participate in Jaunita’s betrothal dance. Jaunita implores Don Luis ta give her up as she loves Kearney, but he steadfastly refuses. Kearney arrives at the Castro ranch just in time to meet Kincaid and is enabled to delay the raid. Jaunita mistakes Kearney’s attitude as beng against her family. Kearney succeeds in delaying Kincaid until soldiers arrive. A terrible fight ensues and Kincaid and his men are overcome just as they are avout to seize Kearney and the Castros. Kearney and Jaunita are married quietly by the padre, and all ends with a beautiful scene in the padre’s garden, as it began there. J. D. WALKERS. eine tia. 1 66-1 70, TEL cnaPat—* tli, London.” WARDOUR STREET, LONDON, W. 124, Dale Street, Liverpool. 12, John Bright Street, Birmingham. (Telephone—Midland 227), 12, Cannon Street, Manchester. And at NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY “THE FILM LIFE OF MARY PICKFORD 2! from Digitized by Godse ba