"How would you describe Jimmie Langton? Dwell upon his looks and typical behavior. What were the circumstances of Jimmie and Julia’s acquaintance?"

Jimmie Langton was running a repertory theatre at Middlepool. Jimmie, a fat, bald-headed, rubicund man of forty-five, who looked like one of Rubens' prosperous burghers, had a passion for the theatre. He was an eccentric, arrogant, exuberant, vain and charming fellow. Although he was a bad actor and fat man, he gave himself entirely to the roles and was not shy about his emotions. He had excellent hearing and did not allow his cast to play fake roles. He was hardworking. But he was too cruel to his actors. Jimmie humiliated and insulted his actors and underpaid them, but it was his method. Thanks to Langton's behavior, the actors were afraid to let him down and even experienced the pleasure of fulfilling his requirements.

Jimmie and Julia met while she was on tour in a melodrama. Jimmie had a short holiday, which he spent every night going to the theater in one town after another. He was well enough known in the theatrical world for her to be flattered by the compliments he paid her, and when he asked her to lunch with him next day she accepted. Jimmie could speak beautifully and persuade. He offered Julia to work for him and she agreed.

I think Jimmie Langton is a very strong and powerful person. Perhaps he seems crazy because of his intense emotionality. His approach to working with actors seems cruel and unfair. But such behavior attracts even more interest in his personality. In any case, he did a lot for Julia and Michael and for the rest of the actors. I think he is a good man who works hard not only for his wallet but also for other people. Jimmy has a core, and he teaches others to be like that.