The Master of Thornfield

The Master of Thornfieldis a 1954 play by Huntington Hartford, which is an adaptation of Jane Eyre.[1] It was later rewritten by John F. Matthews.[2]

US Production

In 1957 it was announced Errol Flynn would star in a production in the US opposite Jan Brooks directed by Peter Ashmore.[3] The play opened in Detroit with a view of bringing it to New York. Flynn struggled with the show, often forgetting lines.[4] He quit the play in Cincinnati claiming that the play was "no more fit for Broadway than Jack and the Beanstalk... I can't do much with the way its written." Hartford responded that, "In my defence, I'd like to say that I have as yet to hear my play, from Mr Flynn, as it was written."[5] Flynn was replaced by John Emery and Demetrios Vilain replaced Ashmore as director.

Hedda Hopper later wrote that she heard Flynn "just wouldn't study" only rehearsing nine hours in four weeks, and thinking Flynn instead simply wanted to accept a role in The Roots of Heaven.[6]

Eric Portman took over the role of Rochester and the production was re-named Jane Eyre.[7] The production debut in New York on 1 May 1958 and ran for 52 performances.

References

  1. ↑ LONDON WILL SEE A NEW 'JANE EYRE': Chaney to Put On Hartford's Version, 'The Master of Thornfield,' in June By SAM ZOLOTOW. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 14 Apr 1954: 25.
  2. ↑ New Film to Costar McCrea and Stevens Hopper, Hedda. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 08 Dec 1956: B2.
  3. ↑ 'SPIRIT IS WILLING' TO BECOME A SHOW: Musical Version of 'Ghost Goes West' Prepared-- Jan Brooks 'Discovered' British Actress Signed 'Back to Methuselah' By SAM ZOLOTOW. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 05 Nov 1957: 37.
  4. ↑ Dorothy Kilgallen: 'Master of Thornfield' Full of Thorns The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959) [Washington, D.C] 19 Feb 1958: B6.
  5. ↑ FLYNN IS QUITTING PLAY ON THE ROAD: Calls Dramatization of 'Jane Eyre' Unfit for Broadway -- Canadian Troupe Plans By LOUIS CALTA. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 20 Feb 1958: 28.
  6. ↑ Lana, Yul Brynner in Faulkner Story Hopper, Hedda. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 22 Feb 1958: B2.
  7. ↑ 'Jane Eyre' At the Shubert By Richard L. Coe. The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959) [Washington, D.C] 17 Apr 1958: C10.

External links

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