AN ACTOR'S PRIVATE NOTES.
A great actor's privately annotated copy of the dramas in which he shines is a very interesting study to,other people; but no - actor would care to perform before_an audience supplied with this information as to all the little, tricks and devices by which he produces his great histrionic effects* This, however, was just the embarrassing position in which a plaintiff suing the Great Eastern Railway for compensation was placed the other day. In giving his evidence he was observed to refer frequently to a small note-book which he took from his pocket; and " considerable merriment" was occasioned by extracts which were read^by Serjeant Ballantine in cross-examination. The book appeared to contain a written account of the accident in the form of an address to the jury, interspersed with remarks, such as "Take it easy," " Don't get flurried," " Take care," Ac. These, the plaintiff candidly admitted, were to "act as warnings to him in giving his evidence." . Serjeant Ballantine then questioned,.him as to the meaning of the figures 1, 2, 3, which occurred from time to time in the notebook, and it appeared thnt these were intended as reminders to the witnessto count three before answering any question put to him. In answer, however, to a question from the judge, he admitted that He bad not observed this valuable precaution. The cross-examination concluded by Serjeant Ballantine referring to the entry "Never mind him," and inquiring who was meant by "him," the pronoun, as it appeared, being intended to designate the learned Serjeant himself. In the result, the plaintiff obtained a verdict for £250 damages; and his success will probably encourage others to take tne same precautions against the arts of the crossl examiner., There is really no reason why printed forms like those employed in the drafting of wills and agreements should \ not be published for the use of plaintiffs preparing to enter ' the witness-box. .'_
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THS18780614.2.21
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Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2911, 14 June 1878, Page 4
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318AN ACTOR'S PRIVATE NOTES. Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2911, 14 June 1878, Page 4
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