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 in England. He was a talented and passionate director for actors who he worked with. He had such a passion for the theatre and performances that took place there, that the actors felt that they couldn't afford to let him down. Jimmie had wanted to be an actor himself, but his physical appearance practically prevented him from performing on the stage. He was physically suitable for very few roles and fortunately, he knew it. He was a fat man with red cheeks, had a bold head and could not perform on the stage perfectly. This man was in his latest 40. He was eccentric, arrogant, full of exuberant energy, vain, and irresistible. Jimmie was a perfect director and he carefully studied and considered his role. Nevertheless, almost all of his plays were turned into grotesques. He exaggerated every gesture, overemphasized every word. But when Jimmie was conducting a rehearsal with the company-another matter, then he could not stand any affectation. In his opinion, actors should not behave naturally, the main task of any actor is to be able to pretend and play their roles. Jimmy was getting the best out of the actors. In the morning, from ten to two, there were rehearsals, and then the director let them go home to learn their roles and rest before the evening performance. Jimmie Langton shouted at them. More than that, he didn't pay them enough.

Once Julia a very young actress toured the provinces with a melodrama and she was trying to portray a woman of forty. Jimmy gave himself a short vacation, which he spent visiting theatre after theatre, in different cities. After the play was over, he went backstage to meet Julia. Jimmy was well known in theatrical circles to be flattered by his compliments, and when he asked her to lunch the next day, Julia agreed. They worked together.

Jimmie Langton gave Julia her start and made her a real actress and a star from her. Playing in Jimmie’s troupe, she has met Michael.