# To Producers, Authors, Actors, etc. explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A satirical poem arguing that the success of a play depends not on its plot, satire, or star performances, but solely on the presence of actors Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. The narrator uses humorous examples of failed plays and popular hits to drive home the point that these two performers are the true key to theatrical success.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The entire poem is a satirical take on the theatre industry, mocking the belief that star power outweighs all other elements of a production.

### Work and Profession

The poem examines the profession of acting and play production, critiquing the business dynamics of show business.

## Character check-ins

### Alfred Lunt

Repeatedly cited as the essential ingredient for a play's success.

### Lena

Referenced as Lynn Fontanne, the other half of the indispensable duo for theatrical success.

## Key lines

> There was a man who wrote a play; One week it ran, then died away, Though critics said ’twould be a hit And even Ervine lauded it. ’Twas not too pure or too obscene; The plot was hot, the satire keen. “It lacked two things,” observed the man; “Just Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne.”

A playwright's work failed despite critical praise and a balanced, engaging plot; the missing element was the star power of Lunt and Fontanne.

_Illustrates the central thesis that star actors are more important than the play's quality._

> You want to pack ’em in out front? Hire Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. Is wounding Joe Leblang your plan? Hire Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. Wouldst have a smash, not just a bunt? Sign Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. The madam craves a Rolls sedan? Get Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne.

For any goal—filling the house, undercutting a ticket broker, achieving a hit, or buying a luxury car—the solution is always to hire Lunt and Fontanne.

_Uses hyperbolic repetition to satirize the idea that these actors are a universal remedy for all theatrical and personal ambitions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/to-producers-authors-actors-etc
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters