The Fourposteris a play written byJan de Hartog.The two-character story spans 35 years, from 1890 to 1925, as it focuses on the trials and tribulations, laughters and sorrows, and hopes and disappointments experienced by Agnes and Michael throughout their marriage. The set consists solely of their bedroom, dominated by the large, fourposter bed in the centre of the room. Among the couple's milestones are the consummation of their marriage, the birth of their first child, Michael's success as a writer, his extramarital affair, their daughter's wedding, and their preparations to move to smaller quarters and pass their home on to another newlywed couple.
| The Fourposter | |
|---|---|
 Jessica TandyandHume Cronynas Agnes and Michael, 1952 | |
| Written by | Jan de Hartog |
| Characters | Michael and Agnes |
| Date premiered | 21 August 1950 |
| Place premiered | New Theatre,Cambridge |
| Original language | English |
| Subject | Marriage |
| Genre | Drama |
| Setting | Bedroom, 1890 to 1925 |
After a pre-London tour, it opened in theWest Endin 1950. ABroadwayproduction followed in 1951, and the play has been adapted for film, television and musical theatre.
Productions
editThe world premiere was given at the New Theatre,Cambridge,on 21 August 1950,[1]in a seven-week pre-London tour.[2]The play, directed by Peter Ashmore, starredDulcie Grayas Agnes and her real-life husbandMichael Denisonas Michael, and opened in theWest Endat theAmbassadors Theatrefrom 12 October to 9 December 1950.[3]The run closed in anticipation of a transfer to New York, but negotiations fell through because the American producer insisted that if it were a success the stars must agree to stay in the piece for eighteen months, which their contractual filming obligations in Britain made impossible.[4]
ABroadwayproduction, directed byJosé Ferrer,opened on 24 October 1951, at theEthel Barrymore Theatre,later moving to theJohn Goldento complete its 632-performance run. Original castHume CronynandJessica Tandylater were replaced first byBurgess MeredithandBetty Field,and thenRomney BrentandSylvia Sidney.It receivedTony Awardsfor Best Play and Best Director. The ending of the play was changed for American audiences. In the original version the final scene showed the two characters coming to terms with Agnes's terminal illness. For the US the author substituted a softer ending.[5]
Adaptations
editFilm
editThe partiallyanimated1952 film adaptation directed byIrving Reis,which altered the title toThe Four Posterto avoid confusion, and changed the characters' names to John and Abby, starredRex HarrisonandLilli Palmer,who won theVenice Film Festival's Volpi Cup for her performance. The film was nominated for both theAcademy AwardandGolden Globe Awardfor Best Black-and-White Cinematography. The film version alters the ending to have the couple die at the end, and then their ghosts re-enter the house as newlyweds, prepared to enjoy their life together all over again.[6]
Television
editCronyn and Tandy recreated their roles for a July 1955 telecast live on the NBCanthology seriesProducers' Showcase.[7]
The play wasadapted for Australian TVby theABCin 1964, directed byJames Upshaw,and featuring Alasdair Duncan andAnne Haddy.[8]
Musical theatre
editIn 1966,Tom JonesandHarvey Schmidtadapted the play for theirmusicalproductionI Do! I Do!.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^"New Theatre",Cambridge Independent Press,11 August 1950, p. 12
- ^"Chit Chat",The Stage,17 August 1950, p. 8
- ^"The Ambassadors",The Stage,19 October 1950, p. 9; and "Theatres",The Times,5 December 1950, p. 2
- ^Denison, p. 19
- ^Denison, pp. 18 and 20
- ^The Four Poster,full synopsis atTurner Classic Movies
- ^"The Fourposter" episode of TV'sProducers' ShowcaseatIMDb
- ^"ABC to screen Jan de Hartog play tonight".
Sources
edit- Denison, Michael (1985).Double Act.London: Michael Joseph.ISBN978-0-7181-2290-4.
External links
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