Answering the Phone: A Farce by Elizabeth F. Guptill

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Answering the Phone: A Farce by Elizabeth F. Guptill

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By Patricia Schneider Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Law & Society

Authors: Guptill, Elizabeth F. (Elizabeth Frances), 1870- Published By : Guptill, Elizabeth F. (Elizabeth Frances), 1870-

Book Language: English

Ever had one of those days where everything that could go wrong does? Now imagine that chaos happening over the telephone in 1913. That's the delightful mess Elizabeth F. Guptill captures in this forgotten gem. It's a short, sharp blast of pure farce about a respectable household thrown into absolute pandemonium by the simple act of a phone call. The story follows poor Mrs. Endicott, who just wants to host a quiet afternoon tea. But when the newfangled telephone in her hall starts ringing, it brings a cascade of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and social blunders. A wrong number about a missing parrot collides with a secret elopement plan, while a pompous suitor and a flustered maid make everything worse. It's a hilarious reminder that communication technology, even the simple telephone, has always been a recipe for human comedy. If you love quick, witty reads that show how people haven't really changed, you need to answer this call.

File: Answering the Phone: A Farce by Elizabeth F. Guptill

Picture a perfectly orderly sitting room in a well-to-do home, circa 1913. Mrs. Endicott is preparing for a polite visit from her daughter's rather dull suitor, Mr. Pomfrey. The only modern intrusion is the telephone in the hall—a device the family is still getting used to. When it rings, the first domino falls. What follows is a masterclass in mounting chaos.

The Story

The call is a wrong number from a frantic woman searching for her lost parrot. Before this can be cleared up, the suitor arrives and overhears only confusing snippets. He becomes convinced the family is involved in something scandalous. Meanwhile, the Endicotts' daughter, Millicent, is secretly using the telephone to coordinate her elopement with her true love, a poor artist. The flustered housemaid, Bridget, keeps mixing up messages. The frantic parrot owner calls back repeatedly. By the time the dust settles, Mr. Pomfrey has stormed out in a huff, Millicent's secret is out, the parrot is (unexpectedly) found in the pantry, and the entire household is in a state of glorious, breathless disarray.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a deep character study; it's a perfect little machine for generating laughs. Guptill's genius is in the timing. She sets up each misunderstanding with precision, so the pay-off feels both ridiculous and satisfying. You can see every catastrophe coming a mile off, which makes it even funnier. I found myself grinning at how the simplest technology—a direct voice connection—could cause such spectacular social failure. It's a sharp, affectionate poke at the manners and anxieties of its time, but the core joke feels timeless. Who hasn't had a conversation go horribly wrong because of a simple mix-up?

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who needs a quick, clever pick-me-up. It's for fans of P.G. Wodehouse's lighter moments or classic stage farces. History lovers will get a kick out of the period details (the sheer novelty of a home telephone!), but you don't need any background to enjoy the humor. At its heart, it's a 60-page reminder that people have always been awkward, communication is hard, and sometimes, the best response to modern life is to laugh until your sides hurt. A truly charming rediscovery.

📚 Copyright Status

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