Miss Isobel

Miss Isobel is a 1957 play by Michael Plant and Dennis Webb.

Premise

An elderly lady regresses to her childhood.

Background

It was originally written by Australian Michael Plant.[1] It was optioned in 1955 by actor Paul Douglas who called it a play "filled with great charm" and he wanted Helen Hayes to star.[2] The script had originally been sent to Douglas as a TV show.[3]

In 1956 producer Leonard Stillman read the play and became enthusiastic. In December of that year he took over the option from Douglas. The play had been co written by a 48 year old Yorkshireman, Dennis Webb. Shirley Booth became attached to star.[4][5] Darryl Richard played the role of Robin in the Broadway play.[6]

Sir Cedric Hardwicke signed to direct. There was film interest in the play.[7] The budget of the Broadway production was $120,000.[4]

The play debuted on Broadway in December 1957. Brooks Atkinson of the New York Times said the play was "difficult to like".[8] It ran for 53 performances and is considered a flop.

References

  1. ^ Vagg, Stephen (14 November 2021). "Forgotten Australian TV Screenwriters: Michael Plant". Filmink.
  2. ^ Looking at Hollywood: Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra Given Room to Vie in Singing Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 26 Dec 1955: b20.
  3. ^ Drama: TV Supplies Skelton With Dramatic Feature; Douglas to Stage Play Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 17 Jan 1956: A7.
  4. ^ a b The Long, Long Trail To Broadway: The Long, Long Trail to Broadway By GILBERT MILLSTEIN. New York Times 22 Dec 1957: 123.
  5. ^ 'STAY AWAY JOE' NEARING STAGE: New York Times14 Mar 1957: 34.
  6. ^ "Darryl Richard". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  7. ^ ON LOCAL FILM FRONTS By A.H. WEILER. New York Times 27 Oct 1957: X7.
  8. ^ Theatre: 'Miss Isobel': Shirley Booth Stars in Play at Royale By BROOKS ATKINSON. New York Times 27 Dec 1957: 22.


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