Raffles, The Amateur Cracksman
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Raffles, The Amateur Cracksman
A scene from Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman, at the Comedy Theatre, London. Based on the stories by E.W.Hornung, the play showed a series of incidents in the life of the gentleman thief. Here, Raffles (played by Gerald du Maurier) meets Curtis Bedford in the house of the Earl of Amersteth. Bedford was the detective who had made it his mission to catch Raffles. From the left: Lady Melrose (Miss Hilda Thorpe); Curtis Bedford; Mrs Vidal (Miss Sarah Brooke; Raffles (Mr Gerald du Maurier); Gwendoline Conran; Lady Ethel (Miss Lettice Fairfax) and Lord Amersteth. Date: May 1906
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14164399
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Amateur Bedford Brooke Comedy Curtis Detective Ethel Fairfax Gentleman Gerald Gwendoline Hilda Hornung Lettice Maurier Melrose Raffles Sarah Thief Thorpe Vidal
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a pivotal moment from the stage production of "Raffles, The Amateur Cracksman," which premiered at the Comedy Theatre in London in May 1906. The scene depicts the eponymous character, played by Gerald du Maurier, meeting his long-time adversary, detective Curtis Bedford, portrayed by an unidentified actor. The setting is the opulent residence of the Earl of Amersteth, and the assembled cast includes a number of intriguing characters, such as Lady Melrose (Miss Hilda Thorpe), Mrs. Vidal (Miss Sarah Brooke), Gwendoline Conran, and Lord Amersteth, all of whom are drawn into the web of intrigue surrounding Raffles and his criminal exploits. Based on the stories by E.W. Hornung, "Raffles, The Amateur Cracksman" was a popular and enduring success, both on the stage and in print. The play presented a series of incidents in the life of the dashing and charming gentleman thief, Raffles, as he outwitted his enemies and eluded capture. Du Maurier's portrayal of the character was widely acclaimed, and his performance helped to cement Raffles' place in the annals of literary and theatrical history. In this photograph, the tension between Raffles and Bedford is palpable, as the two men size each other up, each aware that they are locked in a game of cat and mouse that will continue to play out long after the final curtain falls. The elegant costumes, sumptuous setting, and expressive performances of the cast all contribute to a sense of excitement and anticipation, making this a truly captivating snapshot of a bygone era.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.