Life, 1891-09-24 · page 12 of 18
Life — September 24, 1891 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Drama Page This page reviews "The Solicitor," a play produced by prominent theater manager Charles Frohman. The critic expresses disappointment that Frohman—known for championing American plays—imported this English farce rather than supporting domestic dramatists. The satire targets two groups: first, American playwrights for allegedly producing inferior work; second, Frohman himself for his apparent lack of faith in American talent. The review criticizes the play's tired formula: characters forced to hide in closets and dodge each other via staircases until resolution. While praising lead actor Henry E. Dixey's potential, the critic finds the material unsuitable for American audiences. The bottom illustration depicts cavalry drill, with a caption joking that a young "Goldrugge" appears wealthy—the satirical disconnect between appearance and reality mirrors the play's superficial comedy.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ZIRE “THE SOLICITOR.” astute a manager as Mr. Charles Frohman, and on whose greatest successes have been plays of American manu- facture, sees fit to produce such a piece as “* The Solicitor,” it would indicate that the American dramatist is a non-existent individuality. It is to be presumed that Mr. Frohman was forced to go to Eng- land for a play and that he took ** The Solicitor" because he could find nothing better in this country—which is a very bad recom: mend for our play-writers. “The Solicito another warming-over of the farce idea which is so popular in England, and which consists in working up to the point where the characters are all brought into a position where they are forced to dodge each other by the aid of various closets and staircases. Then comes the unravelling and it’s all over. The idea is a good one but it grows tiresome unless it is very skilfully handled, which can not be said to be the case with ** The Solicitor.” Mr. Henry E. Dixey is given the leading part and the assumption of it marks his first departure from burlesque. While not making a glowing success of it there is enough in his performance that's good to show that when Mr. Dixey becomes accustomed to the new hamess he will be a welcome addition to the light-comedy stage. The remainder of the cast is made up of good actors who are not placed to show off their merits to the best advantage.‘ The Solicitor" was not meant for the American public, and not even the cast and setting Mr. Frohman has given it can make it co. ~ i) 20, a ; iy , aia S THEY SAY THAT YOUNG GOLDRUGGE IS PRETTY WELL OFF.” STHATs WHat TD Thousttr Wien TL Saw iit YESTERDAY EN CAVALRY DRILt comicbooks.com