Word: whorf
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Dates: during 1940-1949
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Last week's production accepted, indeed courted, Richard as melodrama. Everything was painted in bold primary colors; a good deal was literally bathed in baleful crimson light. But the thing had pace and a certain crude excitement, and Richard Whorf's usurper, limping of foot and swift of brain, was enjoyably malign. There was nothing subtle about any of it, and toward the end there was much that was strident; but if never anything more, it was a pretty good show...
...Boston Repertory Association has paid off another handsome dividend to the citizenry in "Richard III." Though produced under the name of the Association, it is actually the baby of Richard Whorf and Richard Barr, who hope to present this version on Broadway in the near future. As a Repertory offering it rates an unhesitating recommendation, but it is not a very good play, and the Messrs. Whorf and Barr could do well to devote their talents elsewhere in the Bard's works...
...Richard Whorf, who plays Richard, gives the impression of an actor with intelligence and talent, and an apparently urgent need to relieve the kidneys. He whirrs through his lines at a speed that soon passes all understanding. Though each word is clearly pronounced, even telegraphed, the audience soon falls exhausted by the wayside while Mr. Whorf races on. The listener does not feel cheated as much as incompetent on his own part. In a few moments of ironic humor, Mr. Whorf is very good...
...Whorf has also done some or all of the directing and here his fast tempo has been put to better use. Most of the action takes place in the Tower of London and a single set and part of the orchestra is used. The scenes flow rapidly one into the other by use of lights, rather than curtains and there is seldom a moment, without visual activity. When Richard is soliloquizing on his villainy, there is a red light, presumably from Hell, shining upon him. During the battle scene, which is done all in silhouette and with imaginary weapons...
Aside from Mr. Whorf, the cast includes other notables such as Philip Bourneuf, Frances Reid, Polly Rowles, and Grace Coppin. The performances of Mr. Bourneuf and Miss Coppin seem to stand up best in the vacuum that follows Mr. Whorf's whirlwind...