File:J. L. Toole as 'David Trot' in 'The Butler'. Photo by Elliott & Fry.jpg

Identifier: actorsnotebooks00arch (find matches)
Title: An actor's notebooks, being some memories, friendships, criticisms and experiences of Frank Archer
Year: 1912 (1910s)
Authors: Archer, Frank
Subjects:
Publisher: London : S. Paul & co.
Contributing Library: University of California Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

View Book Page: Book Viewer
About This Book: Catalog Entry
View All Images: All Images From Book
Click here to view book online to see this illustration in context in a browseable online version of this book.

Text Appearing Before Image:
vale. He had produced it at his own little theatre in King William Street. We all had an enjoyable and mirthful evening, and I went round to his dressing-room between the acts to shake hands with him. This was years before his death, but i tproved to be, unhappily, the last time that we met. It is only possible to me, and I should imagine to all who knew him, to think of Toole in the kindliest way. He was such a thoroughly good fellow in the best acceptation of the term. I do not think a kinder man ever breathed, which is saying much. I had known him from my earliest days in the theatrical profession. In the winter of 1868 he came to Nottingham as a Star for a night or two. It was my duty as a member of the Stock Company to support him. John Billington—also a good fellow—was playing the second parts to him. Dearer Than Life was one of the plays, and I was cast for Mr. Kedgley. Leigh Murray has described the character, originally played by John Clayton. It was merely, as he said, a little effective
Text Appearing After Image:
Photo by Elliott & Fry. J. L. TOOLE AS DAVID TROT IN THE BUTLER. p. 294) J* L. Toolc 295 bit. When the act was over I made my way to my dressing-room, but before reaching it Toole had over-taken me. Thank you, my dear boy. You played the part capitally—perfect as an angel (this as to the words). It couldn't have been better done; I'm very much obliged to you. It may not seem much, but it was a great deal to me at the time. Of course, I had not neglected to obey Bottoms injunction : Take pains ; be perfect, and I had done my very best. But Toole had gone out of his way, or rather, he had not gone out of his way—which was always to say a kindly thing and give pleasure. I never forgot this little encouragement, nor did he. Years afterwards I mentioned it to him, and he said he remembered it perfectly. I met him next at the Princes Theatre at Manchester a year later, and was in possession of bigger bits, for then I acted with him Frank Hardy (Paul Pry), Brown (The Spital fields Weaver), Char

Note About Images