The Voice of the Turtle

The Voice of the Turtle (1943) is a comedic Broadway play by John William Van Druten (1901-1957) dealing with the challenges of the single life in New York City during World War II. Controversial in its time, The Voice of the Turtle explores the sexual struggles of Sally Middleton, a young woman attempting to reconcile her childhood teachings on the importance of chastity with her newfound affection for Bill Page. The play derives its name from a verse in the Song of Solomon in the Bible, which reads "The voice of the turtle [as in turtle dove] is heard in our land." (2:10-13).

The original text
On December 8, 1943 the show opened at the Morosco Theatre and ran for 1,557 performances, making it the 50th longest-running show and the 9th longest-running play in Broadway history.

Published by Dramatists Play Service, 1944.

Translations and adaptations
In 1947 the stage play was adapted into a film of the same name starring Ronald Reagan, Eleanor Parker, Eve Arden, and Wayne Morris.

Performance history in South Africa
1952: Directed by Margaret Inglis with herself in the role of Sally, Doreen Hamshaw as Olive, Leon Gluckman as Bill Page in the Reps Theatre.

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