Miss Isobel

{{short description|1957 play by Michael Plant and Dennis Webb}}

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.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.filmink.com.au/forgotten-australian-tv-screenwriters-michael-plant/|title=Forgotten Australian TV Screenwriters: Michael Plant|first= Stephen|last= Vagg|magazine=Filmink|date=14 November 2021}} 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.Looking at Hollywood: Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra Given Room to Vie in Singing

Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 26 Dec 1955: b20. The script had originally been sent to Douglas as a TV show.Drama: TV Supplies Skelton With Dramatic Feature; Douglas to Stage Play

Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 17 Jan 1956: A7.

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.The Long, Long Trail To Broadway: The Long, Long Trail to Broadway

By GILBERT MILLSTEIN. New York Times 22 Dec 1957: 123. 'STAY AWAY JOE' NEARING STAGE: New York Times14 Mar 1957: 34. Darryl Richard played the role of Robin in the Broadway play.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/darryl-richard-89492|title=Darryl Richard|work=Internet Broadway Database|access-date=January 15, 2022}}

Sir Cedric Hardwicke signed to direct. There was film interest in the play.ON LOCAL FILM FRONTS

By A.H. WEILER. New York Times 27 Oct 1957: X7. The budget of the Broadway production was $120,000.

The play debuted on Broadway in December 1957. Brooks Atkinson of the New York Times said the play was "difficult to like".Theatre: 'Miss Isobel': Shirley Booth Stars in Play at Royale

By BROOKS ATKINSON. New York Times 27 Dec 1957: 22. It ran for 53 performances and is considered a flop.

References

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