Notable works Augustin Daly

poster royal lyceum,1886

under gaslight (1867) example of daly s mixture of realism , melodrama, seen in authenticity of depiction of real locations , in use of social commentary. play introduced now-clichéd device of villain tying railroad tracks, although in reversal of usual roles hero tied , heroine saved him. in book vagrant memories, author, william winter recalls how daly came device. says: once told me under circumstances hit upon device. walking home toward night, thinking intently play had begun write, when crowning expedient occurred him , @ same instant stumbled on misplaced flagstone, striking right foot against edge of stone , sustaining severe hurt. near door, said, , rushed house, threw myself chair, grasping injured foot both hands, pain great, , exclaiming, on , on again, ve got it! ve got it! , beats hot-irons pieces! wasn t thinking of hurt. had thought of having hero tied on railroad track , rescued sweetheart, in nick of time, before swift passage of express train across dark stage.

a flash of lightning (1868), under gaslight, pure melodrama, water , fire spectacles providing action scenes , special effects eager audiences.

horizon (1871) adaptation of bret harte story westward expansion of states; example of popularity of western drama, coupled daly s interest in realism of local color variety, although remains melodramatic.

divorce (1871) , pique (1875), both adaptations of british novels, demonstrate daly s attempts create social comedy, although plays remain melodramatic.