To The Day [My Friend, Thomas Atkins]

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

A Story of the war, told with unusual restraint and dignity: the Germans are even referred to only as 'Northmen'. It tells how a brave and imperturbable English nurse gets the better of a Prussian officer. She was being cared for, having been wounded by a French lady, when he arrived with his men. There is the usual painful scene - but not violently done - in which he behaves in a brutally rude manner. Mavis, the nurse, gets hold of his revolver but surrenders it to save her hostess's little son who has assaulted the soldiers. Then she pretends to give in and allows him to make love to her - but that never goes beyond his trying to kiss her, which she evades. They argue about the ideals of England and Germany - an argument quite fairly given. Then, while they are at supper, English soldiers arrive and take the German officers prisoner. There is nothing at all excessive in the piece. Recommended for License. G. S. Street.

Researcher's Summary:

This play was performed under the title 'My Friend, Thomas Atkins' at the London Coliseum, on 14/12/1914, and in other performances as 'My Friend, Tommy Atkins'