The Times spoke of him as “an able if not a great actor.” If Joseph Jefferson was not a great actor I should like some competent person to tell me what actor of our time could be so described.
Editor's note · Context
Watterson reflects on the critical reception of actor Joseph Jefferson, emphasizing the subjective nature of greatness in acting.
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From fakers who have cards up their sleeves, not to mention snakes in their boots, we hear a great deal about “the people,” pronounced by them as if it were spelled “pee-pul.” It is the unfailing recourse of the professional politician in…
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