A Perfect Gentleman

American Review:

A Perfect Gentleman
The Richmond News Leader
by Roy Procter

Appleman's approach to dramatic conflict is so refreshingly civilized that it's hard to recognize its great merit.

A Perfect Gentleman deals in sentiment without wallowing in sentimentality. It is that rare modern play -- and thus can cast that rare spell -- that is written out of the true sense of human love and accommodation and forgiveness, and its texture is summed up completely in its spellbinding final speech, in which Lord Chesterfield remembers his first encounter with Philip.

"You were wearing a full-length sleeping gown and a lace cap, and I -- as befitted the occasion -- was wearing all my decorations, including my Star," he says as the spotlight isolates him on the stage.

"Catching sight of all those glittering ribbons, you smiled. I extended my finger and, without hesitation, you grasped it. I remember that your hand was warm and pleasant to hold ... I don't remember half as much about my first meeting with the king."

Richmonders should bid such a loving play a fond farewell.