Mark Twain Returns
Samuel L. Clemons, AKA Mark Twain, has fascinated Richard Hill since he was a boy. Skipping school due to a feigned illness, young Hill settled in to watch a television show about this famed writer and humorist. When Hill realized he had started a two-part series, his fabricated illness would need to last another day.
This cherished television show was just the beginning. Throughout his life, Hill researched and read anything and everything about Samuel L. Clemons. It was to the Victorian Chautauqua's good fortune since his dedication unfolded on the stage as to what would appear to be Mark Twain himself.
Although it's said he didn't enjoy the lecture circuit, Twain was a skilled linguist and engaging speaker who was in high demand. His clever quips anchored his reputation as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced," and William Faulkner referred to him as "the father of American literature." He was best known for novels that include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and its sequel, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The latter is often called "The Great American Novel."
"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."
– Mark Twain
Hill's immersion into the novelist's life is complete. If there is anything one would want to know about Twain, Hill can regurgitate it. It's arresting how similarly the two look. Of course, it's not by accident since Hill was preparing for the role years in advance. His wild hair is not fully gray, but he makes it so with a little touch-up. His bushy mustache, his build, and trademark white suit are spot-on. The suit, he claims, was acquired from the town drunk.
Hill has also made a pilgrimage to Hartford, Connecticut, to visit the Mark Twain House and Museum. Twain and his family resided there for 17 years, cementing his residency. This is also the location where Twain's most known works were written. Although a wealthy man, poor investments prompted the Clemens family to relocate to Europe in 1891. Twain took a year to lecture, recoup his losses, and pay down debt while two of his three daughters remained in their Connecticut home. Before they could reunite, daughter Susy died of spinal meningitis. The tragedy tainted their interest in keeping the home so they left never to return.
Mark Twain House
Twain was born shortly after Halley's Comet appeared, and he predicted that he would "go out with it" as well. His prediction was accurate, as he died at the age of 75, the day after the comet made its closest approach to the Earth.
