[Ads-l] Quote: Our comedies are not to be laughed at

[ADSGarson O'Toole]

Barry Popik has recently been examining some sayings attributed to
Samuel Goldwyn such as: "Our comedies are not to be laughed at."

http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/our_comedies_are_not_to_be_laughed_at/

Barry's article was labeled "Entry in progress", and it listed
citations starting in 1921. Since I had an open electronic file on
this saying I decided to move forward and create an entry:

http://quoteinvestigator.com/2015/10/03/comedies/

The earliest evidence I've found was published in the "New-York
Mirror" in 1829 within a theatre profile written by a drama critic
named William Cox. The profile by Cox discussed a popular performer
named Mr. Richings:

[ref] 1829 August 29, New-York Mirror and Ladies' Literary Gazette,
Volume 7, Number 8, The Drama: Theatrical Portraits: Richings (by
William Cox) Quote Page 61, Column 3, New York. (Google Books full
view) link [/ref]

http://books.google.com/books?id=GYkoAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Cumberland%27s+comedies%22#v=snippet&

[Begin excerpt]
As a vocalist Mr. Richings is rather distinguished by force than
sweetness; and as a comedian, many of his efforts, like Cumberland's
comedies, are not to be laughed at.
[End excerpt]

Earlier citations, illuminating citations, and feedback welcome,
Garson

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