ACTOR'S HAIR CAUGHT FIRE. ~ Audience at Melodrama Thought It Part of Play and Enthusiastically Applauded.

May 11, 1909
ACTOR'S HAIR CAUGHT FIRE.

Audience at Melodrama Thought It
Part of Play and Enthu-
siastically Applauded.

There was a hair raising act not on the programme at the Gilliss theater last night. The excitement was caused by the long hair worn by Austin Gillam, leading juvenile of the "Yankee Doodle" company, catching afire from a lighted candle.

In the last act there is much gun play and shooting of actors, but as blood curdling action is usual at this theater the incident unintentionally created by Actor Gillam was enthusiastically applauded. In falling across a table, upon which was a lighted candle, the false hair worn by Gillam caught fire and blazed up. The actor's hands were tied behind him and he was unable to help himself. The audience shouted warnings and after a short struggle Gillam succeeded in releasing his hands and putting out the fire as he ran into the wings.

Those who attempted to leave their seats in the excitement were ordered back by the ushers and cries of fire were quickly hushed.