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| Constance Collier (1878-1955) |
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"Parasites"
Adapted by Paul M. Potter from "La Rabouilleuse," by Emile Fabre.
Produced at the Globe Theatre on 5th May, 1910.
Mr. Arthur Bourchier, Miss Constance Collier, Messrs. A. E. George, Norman Trevor, Acton Bond, Drelincourt Odlum, Bertram Forsyth, Frederic Sargent, Frank Atherley, George Bealby. Oscar Adye, Dallas Cairns, Misses Marie Linden, Rose Dupre.
The story of "Parasites" moves around the life of a young and fascinating orphan, who is the ward of a miserly old skinflint, over whom she has an almost hypnotic power. Unused to care and consideration, the old man, receiving a little from her, feels that she is indispensable to his lonely life on earth. The young lady, Flora Brazier by name, with all the insight usually accredited to women, is not slow to perceive her hold over her benefactor, and when she discovers that a mere threat to leave him is sufficient to reduce the old man to a state of collapse, she quickly falls in with the suggestion of her lover, Max Gilet, to insist upon the old man leaving her his entire fortune at his decease. For her to ask of the old miser, Jean Rouget, is to have. He refuses assistance to his own sister, who comes to plead for the necessary money that will effect the release of her son from the prison into which he has been cast for his political views. The entreaties of Madame Bridau and her other son, Joseph, are in vain, for Flora threatens to leave the house at once if he helps them. It happens, however, that the prisoner, Colonel PhiIippe Bridau, obtains his release without the money, and when Flora and her lover hear that he is in the town they scheme to outwit him, fearing that his honesty and personality will overcome the old man. A pretty duel in scheming then takes place, out of which the gallant colonel comes triumphant.
"Parasites" is a play with very little love interest. It gives Mr. Bourchier an opportunity to display a remarkable aptitude for tragi-comedy. Miss Constance Collier, as Flora Brazier, makes a fascinating adventuress. I must say, however, that she was not so convincing in this character as in others. Who could compare her acting as Flora with her portrayal of Nancy in "Oliver Twist," her magnificent Cleopatra, or her Claudia?
Playgoer and Society Illustrated, Vol II No 9, June 1910