Author
John Maddison Morton
1811-1891
John Maddison Morton (1811-1891) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by John Maddison Morton
Box and Cox: A Romance of Real Life in One Act.
"Box and Cox: A Romance of Real Life in One Act" by John Maddison Morton is a one-act farce first produced in 1847. Mrs. Bouncer, a cunning London landlady, secretly rents the same room to two tenants: Box, a printer who works nights, and Cox, a hatter who works days. Neither suspects the arrangement until Cox unexpectedly returns home early. When both men discover each other cooking their meals on the same gridiron, confusion erupts. What follows is a comic collision that reveals more than just a duplicitous landlady's scheme.
Comediettas and Farces
"Comediettas and Farces" by John Maddison Morton is a collection of comedic plays written in the late 19th century. The work features a range of light-hearted theatrical pieces, including witty dialogues and humorous situations designed for private performances, appealing to amateur dramatics and enthusiasts of British farce. The opening focuses on one play, "Box and Cox," featuring two main characters, John Box and James Cox, who unwittingly share the same room while going about their respective lives as a printer and a hatter. The beginning of the collection introduces "Box and Cox," a farce that brings forth the comedic misadventures of two characters who occupy the same room at different times, unaware of each other's presence. The action unfolds as Mrs. Bouncer, the landlord, cleverly manages their separate lives. Box and Cox's humorous interactions revolve around misunderstandings regarding their living situation, each believing they alone have rights to the accommodations. The stage is set for a clash of personalities, misunderstandings, and lunch-time chaos, blending clever banter with the humorous consequences of double occupancy, which promises a delightful experience for readers and theater enthusiasts alike.
Betsy Baker! or, Too Attentive by Half; A Farce, in One Act
"Betsy Baker! or, Too Attentive by Half; A Farce, in One Act" by John Maddison Morton is a comedic play written in the mid-19th century. The work falls under the category of farce, a theatrical genre characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations. Through its lighthearted and humorous nature, the play explores themes of love, jealousy, and the complexities of marital relationships, particularly focusing on the dynamics between husbands and wives. The plot revolves around Mr. Marmaduke Mouser, who is overly attentive to his wife, Mrs. Anastasia Mouser, to the point of suffocation. Their cousin, Mr. Crummy, realizes that this excessive affection is causing distress to Mrs. Mouser and devises a scheme to ignite her jealousy by suggesting that Mr. Mouser should fall in love with the laundress, Betsy Baker. As the farce unfolds, misunderstandings ensue, leading to a comical chase involving multiple characters. Meanwhile, Betsy becomes entangled in the plot, but as the comedy progresses, she asserts her own desires, ultimately revealing the absurdity of Crummy's plan. The play concludes with a humorous resolution that highlights the importance of balance in relationships and ends in a light-hearted manner as characters come together to celebrate their newfound understanding.
Drawing Rooms, Second Floor, and Attics: A Farce, in One Act
"Drawing Rooms, Second Floor, and Attics: A Farce, in One Act" by John Maddison Morton is a comedic play written in the mid-19th century, reflecting the Victorian era's theatrical style. This farce features a lively narrative centered around misunderstandings and mistaken identities, typical of the era’s entertainment that aimed to amuse its audience through humor and clever dialogue. The play is likely concerned with the social dynamics and romantic entanglements among various characters, showcasing the quirks and complexities of interpersonal relationships. The storyline revolves around Triptolemus Brown, a young chemist and druggist, who arrives in London only to face absurd predicaments involving his uncle and prospective brides. Triptolemus, amidst mistaken identities and comical situations, finds himself fleeing from a menacing sailor, trying on dresses to escape detection, and ultimately engaging in a chaotic ball where he must evade his disgruntled relatives and impress the woman he loves, Phoebe Furbelow. Characters like Mr. Bunny and Captain Hardaport contribute to the playful conflict, resulting in a slapstick conclusion as Triptolemus's true identity is revealed amidst a flurry of humorous mishaps. Overall, the play captures the essence of farce through its witty exchanges and absurd situations, appealing to audiences looking for light-hearted entertainment.
Waiting for an Omnibus in the Lowther Arcade on a Rainy Day: A Farce, in One Act
"Waiting for an Omnibus in the Lowther Arcade on a Rainy Day: A Farce, in One…" by John Maddison Morton is a comedic play written in the mid-19th century, likely during the Victorian era. This one-act farce centers on the humorous events that unfold as various characters, caught in a rainstorm, find themselves waiting in the Lowther Arcade. With a mix of social observations and witty dialogue, the play explores themes of romance, commerce, and the absurdities of human behavior in everyday situations. The storyline introduces us to John Horatio O'Walker, who is about to get married to Fanny, but finds himself in a mix of comedic complications involving money, letters from a past love, and other characters who add to the chaos of the day. As O'Walker learns that his financial advisor, Dibbs, might abscond with his money, he rushes to reclaim it, all while navigating misunderstandings with his intended bride, her mother, and an assortment of quirky acquaintances. The play captures the bustling atmosphere of London life and the comedic elements of misunderstanding, mistaken identity, and the social pressures of marriage, all culminating in a series of humorous resolutions among the characters.
A Desperate Game: A Comic Drama in One Act
"A Desperate Game: A Comic Drama in One Act" by John Maddison Morton is a comedic play likely written in the mid-19th century. The work showcases the theatre style of its time, directly reflecting Victorian characteristics with its elements of mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and the humorous tactics of its characters. The plot revolves around the themes of deception and romance, as well as the dramatic situations surrounding social conventions and relationships. In the play, Captain Ratcliffe disguises himself and infiltrates the home of Mrs. Somerton to steal her fortune of fifteen thousand pounds. However, the night takes unexpected turns as her affianced husband, Mr. Percy Postlethwaite, also makes a grand entrance after various attempts to surprise Mrs. Somerton. With mistaken identities and chaotic encounters, Ratcliffe's comedic antics and Postlethwaite's hapless character add layers of humor and tension. Ultimately, the play culminates in the resolution of misunderstandings as love prevails, and it transforms into a delightful tale of romance intertwined with comedy, illustrating the absurdities of love and theft in a classic farcical manner.
Woodcock's Little Game: A Comedy-Farce, In Two Acts
"Woodcock's Little Game: A Comedy-Farce, In Two Acts" by John Maddison Morton is a comedic play written during the Victorian era, specifically in the mid-19th century. This theatrical piece explores the humorous chaos that ensues after the marriage of the protagonist, Mr. Woodcock, as he navigates the expectations of his new role while dealing with the meddling of family and friends. The topic deals primarily with relationships, misunderstandings, and the consequences of one’s past, all wrapped in a lighthearted farcical narrative. Set against the backdrop of Woodcock's wedding, the story unfolds as he blissfully enters marriage, only to discover that his mother-in-law and other characters have different expectations for his future. Mr. Woodcock, a character with a wild past, finds himself caught in a web of deception and misunderstandings as he tries to assert his new identity while his friends conspire to maintain appearances. The comedic elements are heightened by mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and humorous dialogue, ultimately leading to a resolution that keeps the light-hearted spirit intact. The play is a delightful mix of witty repartee and physical comedy that reflects the intricacies of marital relationships and the societal norms of the period.