In London

An actress is wary of picking a revival as vehicle for triumphant return to the stage. If the revival be a good play, it is sure to have been done within the memory of man by at least one of his favorite Thespians. Pauline Frederick returned to the legitimate stage last week, in London after a long absence during which she played in cinema. Her vehicle: the well-known Madame X, in which many a tragedienne had won favor before her. She had acted the role in movies, true. But many an actress had played the same role before London audiences in the same Lyceum Theatre. How would the U. S. actress compare?

The drama reaches its peak in a courtroom scene. The brilliant young district attorney is prosecuting a woman, scorned by society, known only by the mysterious name, Madame X. He is on the point of vanquishing her when he discovers she is his own mother. The climax is heavily emotional. Since first seen 18 years ago, it has never failed to draw tears. With this play, Miss Frederick came before her English audience. When the curtain was rung down, women were seen weeping--almost hysterically. Pauline Frederick has a low, beautiful voice, dark, tragic eyes, a well-proportioned figure, slightly more matronly than it was a few years ago when she was a symbol of beauty. In cinema she has recently been cast as the suffering mother. The English critics thought her at least equal to Mrs. Pat Crimpbell. Ellen Terry, in their most glorious days. She was recalled ten times--the greatest demonstration since Sarah Bernhardt's appearance. She tried to make a speech but found herself choked with uncontrollable emotion. The audience continued to cheer, to wipe its eyes, to cheer Miss Frederick's mother seated in a stall, to cheer the floral wreaths as they were offered.