Dear Ruth
Written byNorman Krasna
Date premieredDecember 13, 1944
Place premieredHenry Millers Theatre, Broadway
Original languageEnglish
GenreComedy
SettingThe living-room of the Wilkins home, Kew Gardens, Long Island. Late Summer, 1944.

Dear Ruth is a successful 1944 Broadway play written by Norman Krasna. It ran for 680 performances.

History

Krasna 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.

References

  1. ↑ 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
  2. ↑ Davis, George Kidder. "Columbia vs Krasna". Supreme Court Appellate Division-First Department.
  3. ↑ "Norman Krasna's Wife Is Awarded Divorce". The Washington Post. April 28, 1950.
  4. ↑ Dear Ruth at Playbill
  5. ↑ "Screen News: 'Dear Ruth' Is Bought For Reported $450,000". The New York Times. February 8, 1945.
  6. ↑ 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.
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