Life, 1893-08-31 · page 13 of 18
Life — August 31, 1893 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page reviews theatrical productions. The main text discusses "Liberty Hall," a play directed by Sir Hartley, praising its moral correctness but noting its acting style is monotonously correct—calling it overly refined for audiences wanting more energetic performance (referencing Edwin Forrest, a famously vigorous 19th-century actor). The page also reviews "L'Enfant Prodigue," a French pantomime under Edwin Cleary's management, describing it as delicate and artistic but potentially too refined ("caviar") for audiences accustomed to cruder comedy. The bottom illustrations are lighter vignettes: "Taking a Smile" shows someone in a hat, while "Camping Out" depicts a humorous exchange where someone asks a tent-mate to bring whisky left outside—typical period camping humor. The satirical point targets pretentious theatrical productions versus audience preferences for rougher entertainment.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
~ LIFE - 141 Meanwhile Sir Hartley is having a lot of fun in letting all these people endure the slings and arrows of outrageous for- tune until it suits his purpose, at the end of the fourth act, to bring the play to a gloriously happy end with one fell swoop of generosity and discovery There is this to be said though for “ Liberty Hall.” Mor- ally it-is above reproach. At one point a contemplated elopement makes things begin to look a bit risky, but the danger quickly passes away and things go on in the old fairy- tale fashion. The play is acted with a correctness that is almost monotonous. This style of play calls for such idyllic people and such almost pas- toral acting that one really wishes for some PHILOSOPHY. F Heaven, sweet one, had intended That evil should dwell in a kiss, Then yield not to idle contrition It surely would never have blended For truant desires, I pray, With sinning such heavenly bliss. But think of the sin of omission In not being blessed while we may. burly and animalistic actor, like Edwin Forrest for instance, to jump on the stage and chew up a scene or two. * * * HAT most dainty and delightful pantomime, “ L’Enfant Prodigue,” is with us again, this time rendered by a company of skilled French pantomimi under the manage- ment of Mr. Edwin Cleary. It will be interesting to note how well it takes with the New York public. It is so ex- quisite both in action and in the musical accompaniment that it may prove cavéare to audiences which are accustomed to the sledge-hammer style of fun. Mr. Daly with the material at his command could not make the piece go, but the present expositors have had much experience in their peculiar art, and tell the interesting story ina graceful and understandable way. Metcalfe. CAMPING OUT. Voice from Tent: 18 THAT YOU BILL? BRING IN. THE WHISKY ““ TAKING A SMILE," WHEN YoU COME. I LEFT IT STANDING BY THE PAIL OUTSIDE. comicbooks.com