A Tender Attachment: A Farce

"A Tender Attachment: A Farce by George M. Baker" is a comedic play likely written in the late 19th century. This farce revolves around the misunderstandings and humorous situations that arise from parental concern over youthful romantic entanglements. The story captures the essence of farcical theatre, employing mistaken identities and witty dialogue to entertain the audience. The plot centers on Ebenezer Crotchet, a reticent father, who is determined to confront his son Horace about an alarming anonymous note suggesting that Horace has developed a "tender attachment" in a place called "Bachelors' Paradise," where he has been staying. As Ebenezer investigates this alleged relationship, he inadvertently engages with a cast of eccentric characters—including a tinker, a soldier, a sailor, and a tailor—who inadvertently complicate matters further. The farce unfolds with a mix of confusion and comedy as the true nature of Horace's activities is revealed, ultimately leading to a heartwarming resolution that bridges the generational gap between father and son. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Melville Baker (1832–1890) was a playwright and publisher in Boston, Massachusetts, in the 19th century. He worked for Lee & Shepard publishers, then opened his own imprint. "George M. Baker & Co." issued works by authors such as Henry M. Baker, F.E. Chase, and Herbert Pelham Curtis. Baker's company ceased in 1885, succeeded by his brother's "Walter H. Baker & Co." George Baker also performed with comedian Henry C. Barnabee, appearing in "lyceum entertainments" in New England. He belonged to the Mercantile Library Association. He married Emily Bowles in 1858; children included novelist Emilie Loring, playwright Rachel Baker Gale, and screenwriter Robert Melville Baker.