W. Hampden as Manson in The Servant in the House

This photograph features actor W. Hampden portraying the character Manson from the play The Servant in the House. Taken by Hallen in New York, this theatrical portrait captures a significant moment in early 20th-century theater. The Servant in the House was a popular play written by Charles Rann Kennedy, first performed in 1905, and it dealt with themes of class and social responsibility, making it a relevant commentary on the societal issues of the time.

W. Hampden’s role as Manson showcased his talent in embodying complex characters, reflecting the growing popularity of serious themes in theater. The image itself, part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, stands as a testament to the evolution of stagecraft and performance styles during this era. This photograph not only documents a moment in performance history but also serves as a valuable record of the cultural landscape of the period. As theater shifted from light-hearted entertainment to more serious reflections on society, images like this capture a transformative time in the arts.