Hamlet by Command

Like most people George V and Queen Mary greatly prefer musical comedy to Shakespeare. Last winter directly after His Majesty had been snatched from death, the royal pair went for the fourth time to Rose Marie, very much a bit of charming tinkle and fluff (TIME, Nov. 18). Later Their Majesties went to two or three plays without music. It was not until last week, however, that King George turned, as one eventually does, to Shakespeare and to Hamlet. It was the Bard's birthday (April 23), and Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson was opening an all-star Hamlet, the proceeds to go to theatrical charities.

Again like most of the subjects by whom he is so well beloved, His Majesty did not hasten with any anxious eagerness to Hamlet. Indeed, he did not go at all. But graciously the King-Emperor set May 19 as the date for a "Command Performance" of Hamlet, announced that Their Majesties will attend "if possible."

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.