Jack Popplewell

(1911-1996) English writer and playwright [1].

Career

Popplewell, who wrote Policy for Murder, is a man of parts. His first entry into show business was as a composer and lyric writer of popular songs: in this field his first big success was the waltz 'If I Should Fall in Love Again' which has been played all over the world and was a "standard" with bands and orchestras. His first play Blind Alley appeared at the 'Q' theatre with John Gregson in the lead; Diana Dors and George Baker later appeared in the film version. Dead on Nine and Dear Delinquent are two other Popplewell plays, both of which were produced with great success at the Alexander Theatre.

Policy of Murder opened at the Duke of York's Theatre in 1962 and was produced by Hugh Goldie, formerly director of the Alexander Theatre. When performed at the Tribune Theatre, Munich, this play was so successful, it was immediately televised in Germany and - in turn - the TV transmission was so well received that arrangements were made to televise it again.

Two Popplewell plays had premieres abroad... Dear Children at the Teater in der Josefstadt, Vienna, and Hocus Pocus at the Flemish Theatre, Antwerp. Another play, A Day in the Life of... had completed a run at the A.B.C. Theatre, Copenhagen. Dear Delinquent had an eleven months' run in Stockholm and Gotenburg. Popplewell has, in addition, composed music or lyrics for films in which Vera Lynn appeared: written songs for revues at the London Hippodrome and the Palladium: and written songs in partnership with George Shearing, Reginald King, Michael Michon and others. (Programme of the Alexander Theatre run of Policy for Murder in August, 1963, No. 165)

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

His plays Dead on Nine, Policy for Murder, Darling, I'm Home A Day in the Life of . . . and Dear Delinquent have been performed in South Africa.

Sources

Go to South African Theatre/Bibliography

Programme of a run at the Alexander Theatre of Policy for Murder in August, 1963, No. 165.

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