| Citation |
PG-P.767.011
29 Jan 1767:23 (1988)
[Continuation of article on actors, etc.]
I am led to these reflections, from seeing an essay of this
sort, in the last week's Gazette, but as it is extremely
difficult for a man at all times to be so awake to common
sense, or distinguishing understanding, as to judge truly of
his own abilities, I shall remark, that this gentleman, who
professes delicacy of judgement, (as he terms it) has been
deficient in two things.-- He does not appear to have
considered the character he assumed to himself, or has he
examined the subjects he write upon. He tells us, that he is
"sorry Mr. Hallam, who is genteel in his person and action,
does not take copy from the inimitable Garrick, and speak
plain English, whenever he assumes a character that may be
supposed to understand the language." True it is, with all
his merit, there is much fault to be found with Mr. Hallam's
method of articulating.
--- he has begun, and continues, in a bad habit of speaking;
he seems to suck in, or at least not to utter the first
letters of the words he speaks; on which (in many instances)
the true pronouncing sound of them depends; and indeed it is
from this circumstance alone (which has escaped our author's
observation) that people, in general, have concluded, that
he either has not had an opportunity of observing Mr.
Garrick's expression; or if he has, that he is not improved
by it. Besides, as the Atlantic, at present, deprives him of
the opportunity and advantage which might result from his
endeavouring to copy from that unequalled Roscius, we shall
be glad to know, how is he to do it without an interview?
If our author means only to let Mr. Hallam know that Mr.
Garrick spoke good English; Mr. Hallam certainly understood
that before; but if he thinks that telling him only, will
instruct him to speak with propriety, he may be said to
equal Bayes in the Rehearsal-- he parades-- to do nothing at
all. In touching upon the character of the justly
celebrated and much admired Miss Cheer, he first pays her
the compliment of being equally delicate with Mr. Hallam,
whose merit (except in this comparison) we acknowledge-- and
then he pronounces her one of the best players in the
Empire.
--- Does he mean the Empire of the American Theatre, or what
Empire? For here the author has left us a little in the
dark. He then goes on to remark the excellency of Miss
Wainwright, as a singer, and tells us, that her action
exceeds that of the famous Miss Brent; but as we never knew
that lady to appear properly in the character of an actress,
we shall, in this case, also be glad to know what sort of
action he alludes to. As to Mr. Wooll's approved
performances, not only in Hawthorne, but in many other
instances; as well as Miss Hallam, deserving universal
applause and encouragement, we readily subjure to; nor can
we think otherwise but the American Company, in general,
deserve great commendation.
--- But, notwithstanding this, I presume to think that they
may receive just and sufficient applause, without drawing
into comparison the characters of the most eminent in their
profession; for this, like bestowing the epithet of
beautiful, upon a tolerable handsome woman, must prove as
real a disadvantage, and will, in the eyes of gentlemen and
ladies of taste, who have seen a Garrick and a Cibber, as
the injudicious friend would intend to do them service.
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