THE LATE ARCHDALE TAYLER.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1381, 12 October 1916, Page 33

THE LATE ARCHDALE TAYLER.

The death of Mr. Archdale Tayler (whose portrait appears on our Clubman page), which occurred at his residence, Manurewa, on October 4, removes one who was closely identified with amateur theatrical work in Auckland. Mr. Tayler, whose talent was of professional degree, made his first appearance with the Auckland Amateur Operatic Club (of which he was one of the original founders) in 1887 in “The Sorcerer.” In successive years he took the parts of Gaspard in “Les Cloches de Corneville,” Gama in “Princess Ida,” the Duke of Plazatoro in “The Gondoliers,” and the Gaoler in “The Yeoman of the Guard,” acting as stage manager as well for these performances. Mr. Tayler in his early days was a member of the Choral Society, and took the bass solos in several oratorios which were performed. He was also one of the founders of the Auckland Savage Club. He is survived by his wife and a family of one son and two daughters. His younger son, Lieut. Eric Tayler, died on active service in France last year.

Kitty Gordon has been known on the American stage as the woman with the prettiest back in the world. Naturally that was no mean asset when she began work in films in the photo version of the famous novel and play, “As in a Looking Glass.” There was quite a good deal of Miss Gordon’s back in view in the first scene, which was supposed to show a drawing room in Queen Mary’s palace. What was the consternation of the camera men to find that the brilliance of Miss Gordon’s shoulders caused such a blur from the light that the film was ruined. Now Miss Gordon has to dull the gleam with shakers full of powder and the camera clicks along with undazzled eye.