Life — January 29, 1903 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Mr. Clyde Fitch Should Know Better" This drama critique discusses Clyde Fitch's play *"The Bird in the Cage,"* which the reviewer considers poorly executed. The cartoon depicts a caged bird, satirizing the play's central conceit. The reviewer criticizes Fitch for creating an implausible plot involving a "New England factory" proprietor who marries for love but becomes entangled in complicated romantic situations. The text suggests the play lacks the sophisticated character development and emotional authenticity of Dickens's theatrical adaptations. The piece is part of *Life* magazine's theater column, which also reviews other contemporary productions like *"Pickwick"* and various musical comedies. The satire mocks both Fitch's dramatic construction and the play's romantic melodrama conventions.