Kick-In

Kick-In is a play by Willard Mack (1873–1934)[1].

Also found written as Kick-in, Kick in or Kick In.

The original text

Written by the Canadian-born actor, director and playwright in 1913, the play tells of an ex-convict who tries to go straight with the help of his wife, but circumstances force the couple into involvement in a serious crime.

The play first opened in the Longacre Theatre on Broadway (with John Barrymore in the lead) on 15 October, 1914, then transferred to the Theatre Republic where it played from 16 November, 1914 till March 1915. First produced in England at the Vaudeville Theatre, 28th August 1915.

Translations and adaptations

Director George Fitzmaurice filmed the play twice, in 1917 for Astra Film and in 1922 for the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation. There was also a 1931 sound version directed by Richard Wallace for Paramount Pictures.

The play was also novelized by D. Torbett and published by Grosset & Dunlap in 1915.

Performance history in South Africa

1917: Performed in South Africa as the first play staged by the visiting American Dramatic Company. The opening night was on 19 April 1917 at His Majesty’s Theatre under the patronage of the American Consul-General. The cast included Edward Donnelly, Richard Scott, Bruce MacCaskill, George A. Stillwell, Jack Pendleton, Edward Mackay, Louise Holden, Jean Stewart, Anne Bradley, Naomi Rutherford and Florence Roberts. It was produced by George R. Montford.

Sources

Rand Daily Mail, 19 April 1917

https://www.agefotostock.com/age/en/Stock-Images/Rights-Managed/MEV-11768739

https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/kick-in-8056

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022022/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_18

https://www.amazon.com/Kick-Novelization-Willard-Illustrated-Photograph/dp/B00BTMXGEA

Go to ESAT Bibliography

Return to

Return to PLAYS I: Original SA plays

Return to PLAYS II: Foreign plays

Return to PLAYS III: Collections

Return to PLAYS IV: Pageants, carnivals and public performances

Return to South African Festivals and Competitions

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page