Richard Carvel

Richard Carvel (1900), a play by Edward E. Rose. [ Empire Theatre, 128 perf.] Richard Carvel (John Drew) overcomes the machinations of a wicked uncle, kidnapping by pirates, and a spell in debtors' prison to fight alongside John Paul Jones (George Le Soir) and win the affection of Dorothy Manners (Ida Conquest). Based on Winston Churchill's popular novel, the Charles Frohman production gave Drew a rare chance to play a swashbuckling role instead of the drawing room sophisticates that he usually portrayed. Though his performance was lauded, it was acknowledged he was really too old for the part.