Part 444: Thomas G. Moses and “An American Gentleman”
Thomas G. Moses recorded that he created the scenery for “An American Gentleman.” Of Moses & Hamilton’s work, the “Times Herald” noted “Abundant scenery of novel and elaborate design” (Port Huron, Mich., 28 April 1902, page 3). “The Record Argus” commented on the “gorgeous scenery” and “novel mechanical effects” (Greenville, PA, 9 Oct 1902, page 3).
William Bonelli both wrote and starred “An American Gentleman.” Bonelli had previously worked with Charles Frohman, W. A. Brady and Jacob Litt, enjoying a prolific career on Broadway between that began in 1899.
Of “The American Gentleman,” “The Daily News Democrat” reported, “ The play is in four acts and there is not a dull moment from the rise to the fall of the curtain. Thrilling situations, startling climaxes, bright comedy, unexcelled specialties, a carload of magnificent scenery, combined with a specially selected cast, contribute to make ‘An American Gentleman’ such an overwhelming triumph”“ (8 December 1902, page 1)
The Sandusky-Star Journal summarized the plot: “The scene of action begins at the summer home of George Hathway, a Yale College athlete, located on the Hudson River; young Hathaway is a bright and manly fellow of athletic build and strong as a lion. Because of his great strength he is called “Sampson of Yale.” He meets a beautiful Gypsy girl known as ‘Carina,’ the Golden Gypsy, and becomes a suitor for her hand. Of course there is a rival, and the rivalry becomes so strong between them that an exceedingly animated wrestling match is the result. Hathaway proves to be the victor. In the third act young Hathaway is decoyed to the headquarters of the Gypsy Queen by his enemies, is seized and chained to the wall in her lodge. The plan is to kill him as well as Carina, and a frightful death by fire and explosion stares them in the face. His strength serves him at this juncture as he breaks his chains just in time to save the lives of Carina and himself. In the fourth act Carina learns that she is no Gypsy and discovers her right father and finds that she is of good birth and family. In the end she finds true love and happiness in becoming the wife of an American Gentleman. There is a lot of pure wholesome comedy interwoven in the play which serves to keep the audience alternately between laughter and tears” Sandusky, OH, 3 Nov 1902, page 3).
“The Pittsburgh Daily Post” also provided a description: “The motive of the story is furnished by the kidnapping of an heiress, Carina, by the Gypsies. In the first act, which takes place at Charles Hathaway’s house on the Hudson river, the villain, Farker hires Zeppo, a Gypsy, to murder Hathaway and carry off his wealth. Young George Hathaway, the “American gentlemen,” known also as ‘Sampson of Yale,’ runs the murderer to earth comes on the scene when there is a wrestling contest between Zeppo and another Gypsy for the hand of Carina. After Zeppo has conquered, Hathaway steps in and throws Zeppo, thereby winning Carina. After many adventures Carina is rescued and returned to her people, who are of the English nobility. They want her to marry a title, but ‘an American gentleman’s’ title is sufficient for her” (25 Feb. 1902, page 6). Rose Stahl played Carina; Eugene Staley played Zeppo; and James C. O’Neil played Farker.
The most applauded scene in the show was reported as when Bonelli surprised the gypsies in their camp and “triumphs only by the aid of his powerful physique” (The Time Herald, 28 April 1902, page 3). In 1915, “An American Gentleman” was made into a movie. Directed by John Gorman, it starred William Bonelli and Grace Lowell.
To be continued…
