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Дата публикации: Mar 26, 2016 12:21:50 PM
see Exercises of GIR. U1. Live with Lightning
Joseph Conrad wrote to a friend to this effect: that life made him feel like a cornered blind rat waiting to be clubbed. This simile could well describe the appalling circumstances of sour family; nevertheless, some of us had a stroke of luck, and this is what happened to me.
I had been a newsboy, printer, toymaker, glass blower, doctor's boy, etc, but changing from one job to another I never lost sight of my ultimate aim to become an actor. So between jobs I would polish my shoes, brush my clothes, put on a clean collar and make periodical calls at Blackmore's theatrical agency in Bedford Street off the Strand. I did this until the state of my clothes forbade any further visits.
One day I was standing in a far corner near the door of the agency, painfully shy, trying to conceal my weatherworn suit and shoes slightly budding at the toes, when the clerk saw me. He stopped abruptly and asked: "What do you want?"
I felt like Oliver Twist asking for more.
"Have you any boys' parts?" I gulped.
"Have you registered?"
I shook my head.
To my surprise he ushered me into the adjoining office and took my name and address and all particulars, saying that if anything came up he would let me know. I left with a pleasant sense of having performed a duty, but also rather thankful that nothing had come of it.
A month later I received a postcard. It read: "Would you call at Blackmore's Agency, Bedford Street, Strand?"
In my new suit (Sidney had outfitted me with new clothes) I was ushered into the very presence of Mr. Blackmore himself, who was all smiles and amiability. Mr. Blackmore, whom I had imagined to be almighty and scrutinizing, was most kindly and gave me a note to deliver to Mr. Hamilton at the office.
Mr. Hamilton read it and was amused and surprised to see how small I was. Of course I lied about my age, telling him I was fourteen - I was twelve and a half. He explained that I was to play Billie, the pageboy in Sherlock Holmes, for a tour of forty weeks, which was to start in autumn.
"In the meantime," said Mr. Hamilton, "there is an exceptionally good boy's part in a new play, Jim, The Romance of a Cockney written by Mr. H. A. Saintsbury, the gentleman who is to play the title role in Sherlock Holmes on the forthcoming tour."
The salary was two pounds ten shillings a week, the same as I would get for Sherlock Holmes.
Although the sum was a windfall I never batted an eye.
"I must consult my brother about the terms," I said solemnly. Mr. Hamilton laughed and seemed highly amused, then brought out the whole office staff to have a look at me.
"This is our Billie! What do you think of him?"
Everybody was delighted and smiled beamingly at me. What had happened? It seemed the world had suddenly changed, had taken me into its fond embrace and adopted me. Mr. Hamilton gave me a note to Mr. Saintsbury, whom he said I would find at the Green Room Club in Leicester Square, and I left, walking on clouds.
The same thing happened at the Green Room Club, Mr. Saints bury calling out other members to have a look at me. Then and there he handed me the part of Sammy, saying that it was one of the important characters in his play. I was a little nervous for fear he might ask me to read on the spot, which would have been embarrassing as I was almost unable to read; fortunately he told me to take it home and read it at leisure, as they would not be starting rehearsals for another week.
I went home on the bus dazed with happiness, and began to get the full realization of what had happened to me. I had suddenly left behind a life of poverty and was entering a long-desired dream - a dream my mother had often spoken about. I was to become an actor! It had all come so suddenly, so unexpectedly. I kept thumbing the pages of my part - the most important document I had ever held in my life. During the ride on the bus I realized I had crossed an important threshold. No longer was I a nondescript of the slums; now I was a personage of the theatre. I wanted to weep.
Sidney's eyes were filmy when I told him what had happened. He sat crouched on the bed, thoughtfully looking out of the window, shaking and nodding his head, then said gravely:
"This is the turning point of our lives. If only Mother was here to enjoy it with us."
The rehearsals of Jim took place in the upstairs foyer of the Driiry Lane Theatre. Those first rehearsals were a revelation. They opened up a new world of technique. I had no idea that there was such a thing as stagecraft - timing, pausing, a cue to turn, to sit - but it came naturally to me. Only one fault Mr. Saintsbury corrected: I moved my head and mugged too much when I talked.
After rehearsing a few scenes he was astonished and wanted to know if I had acted before. What a glow of satisfaction, pleasing Mr. Saintsbury and the rest of the cast! However, I accepted their enthusiasm as though it were my natural birthright.
Jim was not a success. The reviewers criticized the play unmercifully. Nevertheless, I received favourable notices. One, which Mr. Charles Rock, a member of our company, showed me, was exceptionally good. "Young man," said he solemnly, "don't get a swollen head when you read this." And after lecturing me about modesty and graciousness he read the review of the London Topical Times, which I remember word for word. After writing disparagingly of the play it continued: "But there is one redeeming feature, the part of Sammy, a newspaper boy, a smart London street Arab, much responsible for the comic part. Although hackneyed and old-fashioned, Sammy was made vastly amusing by Master Charles Chaplin, a bright and vigorous child actor. I have never heard of the boy before, but I hope to hear great things of him in the near future."
Sidney bought a dozen copies.
Outline
Charlie Chaplin and his brother live in extreme poverty.
Charlie's only wish is to become an actor.
Charlie at last registers at Blackmore's theatrical agency.
Charlie is invited to the agency for an interview. He is lucky to get a small part in a new play.
Charlie is dazed with happiness as he walks home. His dream is coming true.
The rehearsals open up a new world for Charlie.
The play is not a success, but Charlie's acting is highly praised in the press.
outline n.
1) очертание, контур, абрис
2) а) набросок; эскиз б) конспект, план; схема; краткое содержание
3) (outlines) основные положения, принципы
Wordlist
sour adjective BrE /ˈsaʊə(r)/ ; NAmE /ˈsaʊər/
1. having a taste like that of a lemon or of fruit that is not ready to eat
sour apples
a sour flavour
opposite sweet
2. (especially of milk) having an unpleasant taste or smell because it is not fresh
to turn/go sour
a sour smell
3. (of people) not cheerful; bad-tempered and unpleasant
a sour and disillusioned woman
a sour face
The meeting ended on a sour note with several people walking out.
Idioms
go/turn sour - to stop being pleasant or working properly
Their relationship soon went sour.
sour grapes - (saying) used to show that you think somebody is jealous and is pretending that something is not important
He said he didn't want the job anyway, but that's just sour grapes.
Bedford Street off the Strand
conceal verb BrE /kənˈsiːl/ ; NAmE /kənˈsiːl/ (formal)
to hide somebody/something
conceal somebody/something The paintings were concealed beneath a thick layer of plaster.
Tim could barely conceal his disappointment.
She sat down to conceal the fact that she was trembling.
conceal somebody/something from somebody/something For a long time his death was concealed from her.
1) скрывать; утаивать, умалчивать
2) маскировать; прятать, укрывать
weather-worn прил. - пострадавший от непогоды, потрёпанный бурей
shoes slightly budding at the toes - с мысков, на носках
gulp verb BrE /ɡʌlp/ ; NAmE /ɡʌlp/
1. [transitive, intransitive] gulp (something) | gulp something down to swallow large amounts of food or drink quickly
He gulped down the rest of his tea and went out.
2. [intransitive, transitive] (+ speech) to swallow, but without eating or drinking anything, especially because of a strong emotion such as fear or surprise
She gulped nervously before trying to answer.
3. [intransitive, transitive] to breathe quickly and deeply, because you need more air
gulp (for something) She came up gulping for air.
gulp something (in) He leant against the car, gulping in the cold air.
I shook my head - покачал головой, vs. кивнуть (nod)
shake your head to turn your head from side to side as a way of saying ‘no’ or to show sadness, disapproval, doubt, etc.
if you nod, nod your head or your head nods, you move your head up and down to show agreement, understanding, etc.
usher verb BrE /ˈʌʃə(r)/ ; NAmE /ˈʌʃər/
usher somebody + adv./prep. to take or show somebody where they should go
The secretary ushered me into his office.
We were asked to leave and ushered out of the door.
outfit verb BrE /ˈaʊtfɪt/ ; NAmE /ˈaʊtfɪt/
(outfitting, outfitted) [often passive] outfit something/somebody (with something) (especially North American English) to provide somebody/something with equipment or clothes for a special purpose
synonym equip
The ship was outfitted with a 12-bed hospital.
They had enough swords and suits of armour to outfit an army.
amiability noun BrE /ˌeɪmiəˈbɪləti/ ; NAmE /ˌeɪmiəˈbɪləti/ [uncountable]
the quality of being pleasant or friendly and easy to like
1) дружелюбие, дружелюбность, дружественное отношение; благожелательность, любезность
2) мягкость, добродушие
scrutinize verb (British English also -ise) BrE /ˈskruːtənaɪz/ ; NAmE /ˈskruːtənaɪz/
scrutinize somebody/something to look at or examine somebody/something carefully
She leaned forward to scrutinize their faces.
The statement was carefully scrutinized before publication.
pageboy noun BrE /ˈpeɪdʒbɔɪ/ ; NAmE /ˈpeɪdʒbɔɪ/
1. (also page especially in North American English) a small boy who helps or follows a bride during a marriage ceremony
compare bridesmaid
2. (also page) (old-fashioned) a boy or young man, usually in uniform, employed in a hotel to open doors, deliver messages for people, etc.
3. a hairstyle for women in which the hair is shoulder-length and turned under at the ends
windfall noun BrE /ˈwɪndfɔːl/ ; NAmE /ˈwɪndfɔːl/
1. an amount of money that somebody/something wins or receives unexpectedly
The hospital got a sudden windfall of £300 000.
windfall profits
The government imposed a windfall tax (= a tax on profits to be paid once only, not every year) on some industries.
She had an unexpected windfall when a cousin died.
2. a fruit, especially an apple, that the wind has blown down from a tree
The ground was covered with windfalls.
bat verb BrE /bæt/ ; NAmE /bæt/
1. [intransitive, transitive] bat (something) to hit a ball with a bat, especially in a game of baseball or cricket
He bats very well.
Who's batting first for the Orioles?
2. [transitive] bat something + adv./prep. to hit something small that is flying through the air
He batted the wasp away.
bat your eyes/eyelashes - to open and close your eyes quickly, in a way that is supposed to be attractive
solemnly adverb BrE /ˈsɒləmli/ ; NAmE /ˈsɑːləmli/
1. without smiling or looking happy
synonym seriously (1)
He nodded solemnly.
opposite cheerfully (1)
2. in a very serious and sincere way
She solemnly promised not to say a word to anyone about it.
The choir walked solemnly past.
on the spot
1. immediately
He answered the question on the spot.
an on-the-spot parking fine
2. at the actual place where something is happening
An ambulance was on the spot within minutes.
an on-the-spot report
3. (North American English also in place) in one exact place, without moving in any direction
Running on the spot is good exercise.
I was to become an actor!
see Hill 5. Joe. Must/have got to/have to/need to/be to (Modal verbs p.3)
IS. To be to (Modal verbs p.8)
Modals. p.1. Must/have to/need to/be to.
thumb verb BrE /θʌm/ ; NAmE /θʌm/
1. [intransitive, transitive] to make a signal with your thumb to passing drivers to ask them to stop and take you somewhere
+ adv./prep. He had thumbed all across Europe.
(British English) thumb a lift We managed to thumb a lift with a lorry driver.
(North American English) thumb a ride We managed to thumb a ride with a truck driver.
2. [transitive] thumb something (+ adv./prep.) to touch or move something with your thumb
She thumbed off the safety catch of her pistol.
see also well thumbed
2. гл.
1) = thumb through листать, смотреть (журнал, книгу)
2) уминать, разравнивать, утрамбовывать (пальцем)
3) разг. голосовать на дороге, путешествовать автостопом (в Европе традиционным жестом для автостопа является поднятый вверх большой палец)
4) замусолить, растрепать, испачкать (в результате неаккуратного или чрезмерного использования)
During the ride on the bus
Hill 14. Prepositions + phrasals
No longer was I a nondescript of the slums; now I was a personage of the theatre. I wanted to weep.
see Hardly had she sat down when ... (эмфатическая инверсия) (Speech patterns)
nondescript adjective BrE /ˈnɒndɪskrɪpt/ ; NAmE /ˈnɑːndɪskrɪpt/ (disapproving)
having no interesting or unusual features or qualities
synonym dull
a nondescript person/building/town
slum noun BrE /slʌm/ ; NAmE /slʌm/
1. an area of a city that is very poor and where the houses are dirty and in bad condition
a slum area
city/urban slums
She was brought up in the slums of Leeds.
slum clearance schemes
a plan to rehouse slum dwellers
a kid from the slums
born in the slums of East London
трущобы
personage noun BrE /ˈpɜːsənɪdʒ/ ; NAmE /ˈpɜːrsənɪdʒ/ (formal)
an important or famous person
a royal personage
filmy adjective BrE /ˈfɪlmi/ ; NAmE /ˈfɪlmi/ [usually before noun]
thin and almost transparent
synonym sheer
a filmy cotton blouse
1) тонкий, просвечивающийся (о ткани)
2) плёнчатый, покрытый плёнкой
3) образующий плёнку
4) подёрнутый дымкой, туманный, неопределённый
foyer noun BrE /ˈfɔɪeɪ/ ; NAmE /ˈfɔɪər/
1. a large open space inside the entrance of a theatre or hotel where people can meet or wait
synonym lobby
I’ll meet you in the foyer at 7 o’clock.
An elegant foyer leads directly to the living room.
2. (North American English) an entrance hall in a private house or flat/apartment
revelation noun BrE /ˌrevəˈleɪʃn/ ; NAmE /ˌrevəˈleɪʃn/
1. [countable] revelation (about/concerning something) | revelation (that…) a fact that people are made aware of, especially one that has been secret and is surprising
synonym disclosure
startling/sensational revelations about her private life
He was dismissed after revelations that confidential files were missing.
2. [uncountable] revelation (of something) the act of making people aware of something that has been secret
synonym disclosure
The company's financial problems followed the revelation of a major fraud scandal.
3. [countable, uncountable] something that is considered to be a sign or message from God
These events were seen as a divine revelation.
Idioms
come as/be a revelation (to somebody) - to be a completely new or surprising experience; to be different from what was expected
His performance in the race today was a revelation to everyone.
My trip to Texas was a revelation.
technique noun BrE /tekˈniːk/ ; NAmE /tekˈniːk/
1. [countable] a particular way of doing something, especially one in which you have to learn special skills
The artist combines different techniques in the same painting.
marketing techniques
Teachers learn various techniques for dealing with problem students.
2. [uncountable, singular] the skill with which somebody is able to do something practical
Her technique has improved a lot over the past season.
stagecraft noun BrE /ˈsteɪdʒkrɑːft/ ; NAmE /ˈsteɪdʒkræft/ [uncountable]
skill in presenting plays in a theatre
cue noun BrE /kjuː/ ; NAmE /kjuː/
1. an action or event that is a signal for somebody to do something
cue (for something) Jon's arrival was a cue for more champagne.
cue (to do something) I think that's my cue to explain why I'm here.
2. a few words or an action in a play that is a signal for another actor to do something реплика
She stood in the wings and waited for her cue to go on.
3. a long wooden stick with a leather tip, used for hitting the ball in the games of billiards, pool and snooker
mug verb BrE /mʌɡ/ ; NAmE /mʌɡ/
1. [transitive] mug somebody to attack somebody violently in order to steal their money, especially in a public place
She had been mugged in the street in broad daylight.
2. [intransitive] mug (for somebody/something) (informal, especially North American English) to make silly expressions with your face or behave in a silly, exaggerated way, especially on the stage or before a camera
to mug for the cameras
а) гримасничать
б) театр.; жарг. переигрывать
glow noun BrE /ɡləʊ/ ; NAmE /ɡloʊ/ [singular]
1. a dull steady light, especially from a fire that has stopped producing flames
The city was just a red glow on the horizon.
There was no light except for the occasional glow of a cigarette.
2. the pink colour in your face when you have been doing exercise or feel happy and excited
The fresh air had brought a healthy glow to her cheeks.
3. a gold or red colour
the glow of autumn leaves
4. a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction
When she looked at her children, she felt a glow of pride.
birthright noun BrE /ˈbɜːθraɪt/ ; NAmE /ˈbɜːrθraɪt/ (formal)
a thing that somebody has a right to because of the family or country they were born in, or because it is a basic right of all humans
The property is the birthright of the eldest child.
Education is every child's birthright.
They believe that success is their birthright.
swollen adjective BrE /ˈswəʊlən/ ; NAmE /ˈswoʊlən/
1. (of a part of the body) larger than normal, especially as a result of a disease or an injury
swollen glands
Her eyes were red and swollen from crying.
2. (of a river) containing more water than normal
see also swell
modesty noun BrE /ˈmɒdəsti/ ; NAmE /ˈmɑːdəsti/ [uncountable]
1. the fact of not talking much about your abilities or possessions скромность
He accepted the award with characteristic modesty.
I hate false (= pretended) modesty.
2. the action of behaving or dressing so that you do not show your body or attract sexual attention
3. the state of being not very large, expensive, important, etc.
They tried to disguise the modesty of their achievements.
graciousness noun BrE /ˈɡreɪʃəsnəs/ ; NAmE /ˈɡreɪʃəsnəs/ [uncountable]
1. the quality of being kind, polite and generous, especially to somebody of a lower social position
His mother was graciousness itself during our stay.
2. the quality of showing the comfort and easy way of life that wealth can bring
The house retains its air of tranquillity and graciousness.
3. the quality in God of showing kindness and mercy
the mystery of God's graciousness
word for word
in the exact words; verbatim.
I memorized the speech, word for word.
I can't recall word for word what she told us.
redeem verb BrE /rɪˈdiːm/ ; NAmE /rɪˈdiːm/
1. redeem somebody/something to make somebody/something seem less bad
synonym compensate
The excellent acting wasn't enough to redeem a weak plot.
The only redeeming feature of the job (= good thing about it) is the salary.
She seems to have no redeeming qualities (= good aspects of her character) at all.
In an attempt to redeem the situation, Jed offered to help sell tickets.
2. redeem yourself to do something to improve the opinion that people have of you, especially after you have done something bad
He has a chance to redeem himself after last week's mistakes.
3. redeem somebody (in Christianity) to save somebody from the power of evil
Jesus Christ came to redeem us from sin.
He was a sinner, redeemed by the grace of God.
4. redeem something to pay the full sum of money that you owe somebody; to pay a debt
to redeem a loan/mortgage
5. redeem something to exchange something such as shares or vouchers for money or goods
This voucher can be redeemed at any of our branches.
6. redeem something to get back a valuable object from somebody by paying them back the money you borrowed from them in exchange for the object
He was able to redeem his watch from the pawnshop.
7. redeem a pledge/promise (formal) to do what you have promised that you will do
hackneyed adjective BrE /ˈhæknid/ ; NAmE /ˈhæknid/
used too often and therefore boring
synonym clichéd
a hackneyed phrase/subject
банальный, избитый; затасканный, неоригинальный
vigorous adjective BrE /ˈvɪɡərəs/ ; NAmE /ˈvɪɡərəs/
1. very active, determined or full of energy
synonym energetic
a vigorous campaign against tax fraud
a vigorous opponent of the government
Take vigorous exercise for several hours a week.
2. strong and healthy
a vigorous young man
This plant is a vigorous grower.
сильный, энергичный; решительный
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