FROM SAWDUST TO WINDSOR CASTLE. By Whimsical Walker. (Stanley Paul
and Co. 12s. 6d. net.) Mr. Walker had a rigorous apprenticeship to the art of clowning. He was born in 1851 at the 'March of Intellect' public-house at Hull. He ran away from home when a boy, and lived for years as a circus performer. In this life he developed a resourcefulness and versatility that stood him later in good stead. In consequence he disapproves of the insufficiently-trained actors now so frequent on the stage. His progress as a clown was rapid, and before long he was called upon to give a command performance before Queen Victoria. He was for many years a regular clown at Drury Lane Theatre ; and his adaptability was proved when late in life he successfully took up acting for cinema films. His remarks on the cinema are of much interest. Though he regrets the passing of the Harlequinade, he sees in comic films, especially in the films of Charlie Chaplin, a transfer..me and development of its methods.
Previous page
