Dear Ruth is a successful 1944 Broadway play written by Norman Krasna. It ran for 680 performances.
| Dear Ruth | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Norman Krasna |
| Date premiered | December 13, 1944 |
| Place premiered | Henry Millers Theatre, Broadway |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Setting | The living-room of the Wilkins home, Kew Gardens, Long Island. Late Summer, 1944. |
History
editKrasna wrote a serious play, The Man with Blond Hair, which received a tepid response. He said that Moss Hart suggested he write a commercial comedy instead along the lines of Junior Miss. Krasna based the family in the play on that of Groucho Marx, who was a good friend and occasional collaborator.[1][2]
The play was named in honor of Krasna's first wife, Ruth.[3]
The original production of the play was directed by Moss Hart and starred John Dall. It was a big success, running for 680 performances.[4]
Film rights were sold for a reported $450,000 with the proviso that a movie not be made until the play finished a two-year run.[5][6] The film, also titled Dear Ruth, premiered on June 10, 1947.
Dear Ruth was also published as an Armed Services Edition, distributed to American servicemen during World War II.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ McGilligan, Patrick, "Norman Krasna: The Woolworth's Touch", Backstory: Interviews with Screenwriters of Hollywood's Golden Age, University of California Press, 1986. pp. 218, 226
- ^ Davis, George Kidder. "Columbia vs Krasna". Supreme Court Appellate Division-First Department.
- ^ "Norman Krasna's Wife Is Awarded Divorce". The Washington Post. April 28, 1950.
- ^ Dear Ruth at Playbill
- ^ "Screen News: 'Dear Ruth' Is Bought For Reported $450,000". The New York Times. February 8, 1945.
- ^ Joseph W. Taylor (July 21, 1947). "Biggest Film Firm: Paramount's Puzzler: Will Attendance Slide Be Brief or Prolonged? Takes Precautions: Markets Borderline Movies, Keeps Best in 9-Month Backlog Televised Newsreels Tried Paramount Pictures' Puzzler: Will Drop In Attendance Be Brief Or Prolonged? Company Is Taking Precautions Markets Borderline Movies, Keeps Best in 9-Months Backlog; Pre-Tests Films". The Wall Street Journal.
External links
edit- Dear Ruth at the Internet Broadway Database
- Review of Broadway production at Variety
