Jose Collins (1887-1958)

"A SOUTHERN MAID"
Produced at Daly's Theatre, London.
CAPTIVATING MISS JOSE COLLINS
Reviewed in The Daily Mail (London), 17th May, 1920.

Long overdue in London. "A Southern Maid" arrived safely on Saturday evening at Daly's Theatre, where, received with rapture, she bids fair to rival, if not to surpass, the previous maid in favour.

The popular composer, Mr. Harold Fraser-Simson, stands the severe test of comparison with himself, since his numbers are again melodious, impassioned, and tender. The authors, Mr. Dion Clayton Calthrop and Captain Harry Graham - two merry men - have supplied the unusual, not to say dangerous, element of a "love interest" that is really interesting. Then there is the beauty that is not to be bought in the harmonious mounting, and the multi-coloured costumes and dazzling headdresses show the same selective taste. In fact, everything is rich in local colour except the humour, which remains British, though at present artistically free from topical allusion.

The setting is therefore worthy of the divine Dolores, a Southern maid, whom Miss Jose Collins makes a true Castilian belle. Often as she changes from one glittering gown to another, she never for a moment puts off the part. With deadly glance and honeyed smile, she works the wireless of love. No wonder the English yachtowner succumbs at first sight. Her dance is in turn captivating and defiant, but always characteristic. She is mocking and alluring at once, while her expression of terror is as natural as that of joy.

The note of romance is completed by the manly acting and sympathetic singing of Mr. Claude Flemming - a welcome acquisition - who made a culpable hit as the yacht-owner. He also owns an estate and a first-class family vendetta, that are managed respectively by an oily old cafe proprietor and a boastful amateur brigand. Mr. Flemming was much applauded for his stirring "Call of the Sea" and for "Fill up your glasses," a drinking-song with an intoxicating air.

TWO FUNNY DUETS

As a bluffing leader of "the boys," Mr. Bertram Wallis was seen to great advantage, and got artistic swagger into his tuneful leading motive. The elderly humbug was made droll in a confidential way by Mr. Mark Lester, while Mr. Lionel Victor backed him up well as a comic accomplice. Pretty Miss Dorothy Monkman and the fair Miss Gwendoline Brogdon joined them in two funny flirtation duets.

A vivacious chorus contributed polychromatic movement, and the latent fun only awaits precipitation. Enthusiastic calls brought on the authors and composer amid this happy band of players and a forest of floral tributes. But Miss Collins had the last word alone before the curtain after her girl friends in the gallery had wished her good luck. They should get their wish.

G. M.