Dear Ruth
1944 Broadway play by Norman Krasna
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Dear Ruth is a successful 1944 Broadway play written by Norman Krasna. It ran for 680 performances.
| Dear Ruth | |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Written by | Norman Krasna |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Setting | The living-room of the Wilkins home, Kew Gardens, Long Island. Late Summer, 1944. |
| Premiere | |
| Date | December 13, 1944 |
| Place | Henry Millers Theatre, Broadway |
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.[4] It was a big success, running for 680 performances.[5]
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.[6][7] 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.[citation needed]
