Answering the Phone: A Farce

"Answering the Phone: A Farce" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is an engaging comedic play from the early 1900s, showcasing the comical chaos that ensues when a new maid is left in charge of answering the telephone. Mrs. Courtney and her daughter, Miss Eleanora, give specific instructions to Nora Flanagan before leaving, however, Nora's confusion about the telephone's purpose leads to a series of funny misunderstandings. As Nora interacts with various callers, she unintentionally gets involved with Miss Courtney's suitor, Reginald, creating an entertaining mess with a charming look at life at home. The play cleverly pokes fun at society and communication, offering an amusing look at early 20th-century life.