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"Daddy Long-Legs", Jean Webster's popular comedy which was made famous on the stage by Henry Miller and Ruth Chatterton, and on the screen by Mary Pickford, was successfully produced last Monday night by the Arlington Players at the Arlington Theatre. It is not surprising that such a story, written with consummate insight into a child's heart and a young girl's romance, continues to be popular, both in book form and on the stage. One's interest is held to the final curtain by the element of mystery provided by Judy's ignorance as to the identity of her guardian. The "happy ending" which comes when Judy's benefactor and devoted lover prove to be one and the same person furnishes a pleasing conclusion to the play.
Miss Frances Anderson gave a delightful interpretation of Judy Abbott, at first the pathetic little orphan of the John Grier Home and then the happy young college girl and authoress. The part of Daddy Long-Legs was portrayed by Mr. William Shelly Sullivan with a delicate touch of humor and kindness seldom attained in stock company productions. One of the finishing details of the play was added by Leonora Bradley, who acted the part of Mrs. Semple, the motherly old nurse, with unusual ability. Florence Burroughs as Miss Pritchard, the kindhearted old maid who is instrumental in bringing happiness to Judy, was a distinct success. Master Abbott contributed one of the finest bits of comedy as Freddie Perkins, the mischievous youngster at the orphan home. Forced and unnatural acting on the part of other children and Mrs. Lippett, the matron of the home, marred the first act.
Of the four acts, the second is the best. This is due to a large extent to the excellent acting of Miss Anderson and Mr. Sullivan, who were the center of interest. Juliette Randall and Olive Massey as Julia Pendleton and Sallie McBride respectively, Judy's two college room-mates, added a realistic touch to the scene as well.
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