Untitled

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1587, 21 March 1879, Page 4

The great American actor, Edwin Booth, has been asked by the editor of a New York religious paper to give his opinion, in print, of the modern theatre, Mr Booth excuses himself on the score of want of literary ability, but he says :—“ My knowledge of the modern drama is so very meagre that I never permit my wife or daughter to witness a play without previously ascertaining its character. This is the method I pursue ; I can suggest no other, unless it might be by means of a ‘ dramatic censor,’ whose taste or judgment might, however, be frequently at fault. If the management of theatres could be denied to speculators and placed in the hands of actors who value their reputation and respect their calling, the stage would at least afford healthy recreation, if not, indeed, a wholesome stimulus to the exercise of noble sentiments. But while the theatre is permitted to be a mere shop for gain—open to every huckster of immoral gimcracks—there is no other way to discriminate between the pure and base than through the experience of others.” This sort of thing will commend itself to English husbands. Henceforward British wives will do well to take Mr Edwin Booth’s advice, and before they go to see a modern comedy, send their husbands to see whether it is decent or not.

Mr Fitzpatrick is writing a biography of the late Charles Lever, It will contain, says the “Athenmum,” certain chapters of “ Harry Lorrequer ” which went astray in manuscript, which had to be re-written from memory, and which were not recovered till long after the appearance of the novel.