(2 of 5)
John Corbin: "Nothing more original and more beautiful has ever been seen on earth."
Gypsy Jim. The dulcet diction of Leo Carrillo romantically implores his audience to have faith, that it may automatically acquire fortune. Mr. Carillo plays a genial young millionaire whose fancy is best pleased by wandering about the world disguised as a gypsy and doing good. He appears in a high yellow make-up and exotic attire. His peregrinations lead him to the threshold of a home heavy with failure. The father is a lawyer with no clamor of clients at his doorstep; the daughter, an authoress of many manuscripts but no publisher; the mother, steeped in sorrow for a buried brother; the son, an inventor with more gadgets than greenbacks.
Mr. Carrillo's appearance alters the domestic complexion immediately. Obedient to his magic wand, publishers, clients, manufacturers and a heretofore secret daughter of the buried brother flood the family. Meanwhile, gypsy music off stage soothes the spectators into the requisite romantic mood. Finally Mr. Carrillo discards his gypsy habiliments and stands, a mere millionaire, suitable suitor for the daughter of any family.
Utterly banal in theme and rather juvenile in treatment, the play succeeds moderately as amusement, largely due to the persuasive personality of the star.
Percy Hammond: "One of those helpful extravaganzas that stimulate the innocent of heart to noble emotions and kindly deeds."
