Marion Marlowe in Buffalo, or, Betrayed by a Rival Company

Marion Marlowe in Buffalo; or, Betrayed by a Rival Company

This theatrical melodrama by Grace Shirley centers on actress Marion Marlowe and the Temple Theatrical Company's troubles in Buffalo. The featured story involves rival theatrical impresarios Rippel and Rose falsely advertising that Marlowe will perform at the Palace Theatre to compete with Temple's company at the Alhambra. Manager Temple, assistant Bert Jackson, and company member Miss Allyn initially suspect Marlowe of accepting a higher-paying engagement, believing the published notice. Marlowe clarifies she received a bribe offer of three hundred dollars weekly from Rippel and Rose—received a week prior—which she refused on grounds of loyalty and honor to her existing company. The rival firm's deception appears designed to capitalize on public interest following Marlowe's recent accident of being "thrown from that train." The story examines theatrical competition and professional integrity within period show-business culture.