The Joshua Tree is a 1958 British play by Alec Coppel.[1]
| The Joshua Tree | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Alec Coppel |
| Based on | story by Alec and Myra Coppel |
| Directed by | Allan Davis |
| Date premiered | July 9, 1958 |
| Place premiered | The Duke of Yorks Theatre, St Martins Lane, London |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | thriller |
In July 1957 it was announced the play would be produced on Broadway.[2]
The play debuted in London in 1958 starring Anne Baxter. It was her first London stage play. Her co stars were Hugh McDermott and William Sylvester.[3]
The Evening Standard said "in quick succession the play switches from domestic melodrama to thriller detection to eerie horror."[4] The Daily Telegraph said it was "packed with twists".[5] Variety said "There’s considerable implausibility about the play, but surprises come thick and fast after a leisurely start. The meller stands a reasonable chance of survival during the summer land, with a stellar cast, should also be a likely candidate on Broadway."[6]
In 1959 the play was announced for Broadway starring Ruth Ford, Zachary Scott and Louis Hayward but it appears to have not been produced.[7]
Premise
editA successful Los Angeles lawyer is told by his doctor that he has six months to live. The doctor suggests the lawyer defraud the insurance company so the lawyer’s wife and child are left some money. The lawyer commits suicide.
References
edit- ^ File on play at University of Birmingham
- ^ "Alec Coppel play set for Broadway". Variety. 3 July 1957. p. 59.
- ^ "Jane tells of a secret of her double life". Manchester Evening News. 28 June 1958. p. 5.
- ^ "Slickness hides holes in the plot". Evening Standard. 10 July 1958. p. 10.
- ^ "Plot secrets gag critic". The Daily Telegraph. 10 July 1958. p. 10.
- ^ "The Joshua Tree Review". Variety. 16 July 1958. p. 58.
- ^ "Gable puts chuckle". The Los Angeles Times. 15 Oct 1959. p. 103.