Life, 1893-09-14 · page 10 of 18
Life — September 14, 1893 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 170 This page reviews Mr. Nat C. Goodwin's theatrical production "In Mizzoura," written by Augustus Thomas. The review favorably compares it to Thomas's earlier success "Alabama," noting that "Mizzoura" doesn't sacrifice individual character details for star vehicles. The two cartoons labeled "The Country Drug Store" depict a comedic scene outside a rural pharmacy—likely satirizing small-town life and social dynamics of the American South/Southwest setting depicted in the play. The illustration on the right, "The Dream of the Fifth Avenue Stage Horse," shows a horse imagining rural scenery, humorously contrasting urban and rural environments—possibly commenting on theatrical escapism or the play's setting. The review emphasizes the dialogue's wit and the play's realistic portrayal of Southeastern community life.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“IN MIZZOURA.” ER having been tried on a dog: in Chicago, Mr. Augustus Thomas's new play, written for Mr, Nat. C. Goodwin, seems to have made a successful appeal to New York's more critical public. In estimating the new piece it is only natural to measure it somewhat by “Alabama,” the best previous production of Mr, Thomas's pen. Although “In Mizzoura” differs from the other in that it was written to furnish a star part for Mr. Nat. C. Goodwin, Mr. Thomas has not made the usual mis- take of obliterating every particle of individuality in the minor THE COUNTRY DRUG STORE. THE DREAM OF THE FIFTH AVENUE STAGE HORSE. parts, so that the leading character might shine by contrast. One of the greatest charms of “Alabama” was the strong character drawing, and in the new play Mr. Thomas has preserved the same quality. Each type is distinct, and few of them are conventional on More than that, each is made more distinct by contrast with the others. Never having lived in rural * Mizzoura,” we are unable to judge how true these types are to local! nature, but in the aggregate they present a harmonious picture of the Icisurely, half shiftless life of many communities of the South-west. The plot is a little more intense tha abama,” involving as it does an express robbery, a murder, and a man-hunt, although none of these occur in the immediate sight of the audience. The dialogue contains some rare touches of human nature, and is well punctuated with flashes of origina! wit and humor. Mr. Goodwin has so long appeared as a comedian, that comicbooks.com