Editing a biography of actor Ruth Chatterton, I ran across a dmention of
Mark Twain's niece,  Jean Webster.  Apparently, actor/producer Henry Miller
had picked up a copy of Webster's popular book Daddy Long-Legs at a
newsstand and contacted the authorh about adapting it for the stage in 1914.


The book has some comments on Webster, stressing Jean Webster combined
writing with social activism.  "The story was inspired by her work on behalf
of orphans.  She drew her material from monthly visits to orphanages in New
England."

 

Variety praised, "Daddy Long-Legs is a full-grown comedy in which the author
has blended a laugh and a tear in almost every line."[i] 

 

Apparently, the play was quite a success for several years and perhaps
helped pave the way for the sufferage movement. Never heard of it
before-anyone know more?

 

 

Dr. Wesley Britton

Co-host, Dave White Presents

www.audioentertainment.org/dwp

Spywise website

www.spywise.net 

 


  _____  

[i] Review of Daddy Long-Legs, Variety, February 27, 1914