77 Park Lane

This article is about the play. For the film based on the play, see 77 Park Lane (film).

77 Park Lane is a play in two acts by Walter Hackett. The play was staged in London's West End in 1928 and again in 1930. The play was the basis for three different films; all made by Albert de Courville.

Plot

Lord Trent, a British peer, steals a taxi on Boat Race Night. He returns to his home at 77 Park Lane to unexpectedly discover that his home has been taken over by a gambling club. He pretends that he is the taxi driver and joins in with the gamblers. A murder occurs, a woman's life is in danger, and ultimately Lord Trent put things to rights after a series of wild adventures.

History

77 Park Lane premiered at St Martin's Theatre in London's West End on October 25, 1928 with a cast led by Hugh Wakefield as Lord Trent, and Hackett' wife, the actress Marion Lorne, as Mary Connor.[1]

The Evening Standard described the play's plot as "far-fetched" but felt that the play was an effective comedy.[2] The Daily Mirror gave a highly positive review, with its critic asserting that "Hackett has mixed farce, comedy, and melodrama together in a skillful and original way. His play is as good as any seen in London in a long time."[1] The Guardian gave a mixed review. Its critic stated that "It was a pity that Mr. Hackett could not sustain the promise of his first act, for that was considerable. The author was bidding a picturesque farewell to the old Park Lane No 77 will be turned into super-flats for supermen tomorrow. In its present form is far too good to be durable."[3]

77 Park Lane was later revived in the West End at the Regent Theatre in 1930.[4]

Adaptations

77 Park Lane was adapted into two different 1931 films by Albert de Courville; an English language film of the same name and the French language film 77 Rue Chalgrin.[5] Courville joined with Fernando Gomis to adapt the play into a third film, Between Night and Day (1932).

References

Citations

  1. ^ a b "Bright New Comedy: Mirth and Adventure in "77 Park Lane" at St Martin's Theatre". Daily Mirror. October 26, 1928. p. 2.
  2. ^ "The Peer Who Stole a Taxi". Evening Standard. October 26, 1928. p. 5.
  3. ^ "77 Park Lane". The Guardian. October 26, 1928. p. 15.
  4. ^ Wearing 2014, p. 2.
  5. ^ Goble 2011, p. 200.

Bibliography

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