CHAPTER XIX

The films. A new experience. The humours of rehearsals. Chasing a hat. An embarrassing encounter with bees. How “little Nell” was buried. Blowing up “old Peggotty.” The “Starting Point.” A glance back at a life’s work.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

_Whimsical Walker in private life at 71 years of age_ _frontispiece_

_The best friend I ever had in the Theatrical Profession_ 32

_The Royal Windsor Castle Programme_ 64

_Whimsical Walker as old “Daniel Peggotty,” in Hepworth’s film, “David Copperfield”_ 96

_Whimsical Walker, in his studio, writing his life_ 96

_All ready to appear before the British Public, Drury Lane Theatre Pantomime_ 128

_Whimsical Walker as “The Single Gentleman” in Hepworth’s film, “The Old Curiosity Shop”_ 160

_Whimsical Walker and the Drury Lane Harlequinade entertaining the Lord and Lady Mayoress and children at the Mansion House, London, in aid of the Blind Children of London_ 160

_Whimsical Walker as he appeared before H.M. Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, by command, Windsor Castle, 25th February, 1886_ 192

_Whimsical Walker rehearsing a love scene with Miss Nancy Buckland, Drury Lane Theatre Stage_ 192

_Whimsical Walker enjoying the sea air, Gorleston-on-Sea_ 228

_Mr. and Mrs. W. Walker at their home at Peggotty’s Hut, Gorleston-on-Sea, with their mascot cat “Whimmy”_ 228

FROM SAWDUST TO WINDSOR CASTLE