The Private Secretary is an 1883 farce in three acts, by Charles Hawtrey. The play, adapted from a German original, depicts the vicissitudes of a mild young clergyman, innocently caught up in the machinations of two irresponsible young men who are bent on escaping their creditors.
When the play opened in London the notices for the piece were hostile, and it was seen as a stop-gap in the schedule of the theatrical company presenting it. Despite these predictions the play ran in London for a total of 1,469 performances in its first run and later revivals. The critics found much more to praise in the performances of the cast, with particular praise for Herbert Beerbohm Tree as the meek clergyman, the Rev Robert Spalding. He was succeeded in the role by W. S. Penley, who received equally good notices, and played the part in several productions. The play was frequently revived in the first half of the 20th century, and was adapted for film in 1935.