In this remarkable anthology of historical recordings are many of the great artists of the past. Early cylinder recordings of Sir Henry Irving preserve the voice and character of the greatest actor of the Victorian period as well as Ellen Terry, his stage partner for many years. In this program, the changing styles of Shakespeare performance, a fascinating study, are documented with such varied actors as Tree, Gielgud, Thorndike, Olivier, Booth, and Barrymore.

Also in this anthologhy, an entertaining miscellany of melodrama, tragedy, and comedy, including the famous extract of Edith Evans’ performance as Lady Bracknell and an unforgettable dialogue between Laurel and Hardy.