 Sargent's brisk tempos upset Gordon, who protested unavailingly that they interfered with the pacing of the stage action.Some senior company members agreed with Gordon, but Carte backed Sargent.Gordon retired in July 1939, but briefly came out of retirement in late 1939 and early 1940 to coach Grahame Clifford, who had taken over at short notice from Martyn Green as principal comedian.