# II: Mr. Sampson Longvale Calls explained — The Avenger

> Chapter companion for The Avenger by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Adele Leamington approaches director Jack Knebworth to ask for a better part in his film, but he brusquely dismisses her, advising her to return home. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Sampson Longvale, an eccentric, old-fashioned gentleman who offers his haunted house, the Dower House, for Knebworth's film location. Longvale reveals an interest in cinema and a desire to be filmed in the role of his illustrious ancestor. After Longvale departs, Knebworth dismisses Adele again, leaving her no closer to her goal.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Hierarchy

The chapter highlights the power imbalance between the director Jack Knebworth and the extra Adele Leamington, as well as the deference shown to the wealthy landowner Sampson Longvale.

### Deception and Appearances

Longvale's eccentric, old-fashioned appearance and his claim of a haunted house suggest a facade that may conceal darker truths, while Adele's polite persistence masks her desperation for a role.

## Character check-ins

### Adele Leamington

Adele approaches Jack Knebworth to ask for a better part, revealing her background as an extra with a small income and a talent for writing. She is observant and curious about Sampson Longvale.

### Jack Knebworth

Jack is initially brusque and dismissive toward Adele, but becomes animated and grateful upon meeting Sampson Longvale, whose offer of the Dower House solves his location problems.

### Sampson Longvale

Longvale is introduced as an eccentric, old-fashioned gentleman with a deep, sweet voice. He offers his haunted house for the film and expresses a desire to be filmed as his illustrious ancestor, hinting at his family history.

## Key lines

> “Aren’t you playing a part, Miss⁠—can’t remember your name⁠—Leamington, is it?”

Knebworth sarcastically implies that Adele is already playing a role as an extra, dismissing her request for a better part.

_This exchange underscores the dismissive attitude of the director toward the extras._

> “I can only hope that the house and grounds are suitable to your requirements. I am afraid they are in sad disorder, but I cannot afford to keep the estate in the same condition as my grandfather did.”

Longvale offers his dilapidated estate for the film, apologizing for its neglected state due to his financial limitations.

_Longvale's comment reveals his genteel poverty and the decline of his family's fortunes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters/ii-mr-sampson-longvale-calls
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters