"The Admirable Crichton" by J.M. Barrie: Lord Loam has some progressive views of English society. He doesn't believe the lower class should be segregated from the upper class, even insisting his servants be treated as guests at tea at least once a month. Naturally, this doesn't go over so well with his aristocratic friends, nor his haughty family, which includes his daughters, Mary, Agatha, and Catherine, and his bumbling nephew, Ernest.

And, oddly enough, it doesn't sit too well with his servants, either, who are accustomed to their lot in life and consider it foolish, if not criminal, to mix with their superiors. This attitude is seen most clearly in Crichton, Lord Loam's loyal butler. Despite being an intelligent, capable man of 30, Crichton has no aspirations beyond his domestic duties. He lives solely to serve his master. Thinking otherwise is pure and utter nonsense. He finds even the idea of being invited to tea insulting. I mean, Mr. Belvedere wouldn't sit down for a beer with Bob Ueker, would he?

To get his point across, and to teach his family to appreciate their servants, Lord Loam declares there will be only one maid on their upcoming yacht trip. The horror! While his daughters and nephew are aghast, the maids are equally offended, giving notice on the spot. Only the admirable Crichton's deep devotion to Lord Loam keeps him from joining the protest, and he reluctantly agrees to accompany the family.

Unfortunately, Lord Loam's yacht goes the way of the S.S. Minnow, running into some foul weather and coming aground on a deserted island. Free of English conventions and the tyrannical class distinctions, Lord Loam's visions of equality become a reality, and each person on the island is truly judged on their own worth to society.

Not surprisingly, Crichton soon emerges as their leader, earning the admiration and loyalty of everyone involved for his ingenuity, diligence, and courage. During the two years they're marooned, Crichton is revered as a king, building a virtual island paradise. He even wins the heart of Mary, the eldest daughter who had been engaged to a wealthy blowhard back in England simply because he was the type of man she was "supposed" to marry.

Yes, sir, love is all around. Everyone on the island is living a blissful existence. They couldn't be happier. And then they get rescued. What will a return to England mean for their new identities? I'll allow you to find that out on your own.

"The Admirable Crichton" was written and 1902 and was an enormous success on the London stage. Written in four acts, the play is a wicked good satire of high society and English class distinctions, but it also serves as an intriguing examination of man's nature.

In that sense, it reminded me a lot of Barrie's brilliant ""Dear Brutus," which looked at fate and the various paths lives can take. What defines a man? Is it wealth? Character? Integrity? And once we're slotted in our roles, either through birth or blind luck, do we ever have a chance to improve our situation? Or have the Fates already told the tale.

I love the sentiment behind "The Admirable Crichton," and it's quite good, but the characters are a bit stiff and the comedy, while humorous, never delivers any huge laughs. Overall, it pales in comparison to the magnificent "Peter Pan" and even the aforementioned ""Dear Brutus," so I can't give it four shots. But it's still an enjoyable read, and you should never miss a chance to experience Barrie's work.

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