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Miss Isobel

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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. 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.[1] The script had originally been sent to Douglas as a TV show.[2]

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.[3][4]

Sir Cedric Hardwicke signed to direct. There was film interest in the play.[5] The budget of the Broadway production was $120,000.[3]

The play debuted on Broadway in December 1957. Brooks Atkinson of the New York Times said the play was "difficult to like".[6] It ran for 52 performances and is considered a flop.

References

  1. ^ Looking at Hollywood: Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra Given Room to Vie in Singing Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 26 Dec 1955: b20.
  2. ^ Drama: TV Supplies Skelton With Dramatic Feature; Douglas to Stage Play Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 17 Jan 1956: A7.
  3. ^ a b The Long, Long Trail To Broadway: The Long, Long Trail to Broadway By GILBERT MILLSTEIN. New York Times 22 Dec 1957: 123.
  4. ^ 'STAY AWAY JOE' NEARING STAGE: New York Times14 Mar 1957: 34.
  5. ^ ON LOCAL FILM FRONTS By A.H. WEILER. New York Times 27 Oct 1957: X7.
  6. ^ Theatre: 'Miss Isobel': Shirley Booth Stars in Play at Royale By BROOKS ATKINSON. New York Times 27 Dec 1957: 22.