The Small Hours
(1951)
By George S. Kaufman and Leueen MacGrath
Cast size: 7 men, 6 women
A psychological portrait of an inequitable marriage.
For performance rights, contact: Dramatists
For performance rights/manuscripts for all other plays, contact: laurence.maslon@nyu.edu
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The Plot
A psychological portrait of an inequitable marriage, this collaboration between Kaufman and his second wife, actress Leueen MacGrath is the story of a well-heeled Park Avenue publisher and his meek wife, who lives in the shadow of his success. As their marriage progresses, and we see the high life of New York sophisticates, the wife comes into her own and blossoms into her full potential.
Other Plays in the Catalogue
Silk Stockings' producers, Cy Feuer and Ernest Martin, had a success with Guys and Dolls in 1950. Attempting to work again with Kaufman, who directed that production, they ultimately balked at the romantic aspect of Kaufman's adaptation of the film, which he wrote with his second wife, Leueen MacGrath.
The Late George Apley opened at the Lyceum Theatre on November 21, 1944; it ran 357 performances. It was made into a 1947 film starring Ronald Colman as Apley.
George Washington Slept Here opened at the Lyceum Theater on October 18, 1940. It ran 173 performances, but has never had a Broadway revival.
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Contact Us Today
Interested in bringing George S. Kaufman’s timeless plays to your stage?
Please refer to the contact information for each specific play on the various collection pages for direct amateur and professional licensing information.
Plays are represented by Concord Theatricals, Broadway Dramatic Licensing, and Music Theatre International respectively
If you are interested in first-class performance or film/television rights:
In the US, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:
CPK Artists, LLC
In the UK, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:
Alan Brodie Representation
For more information about George S. Kaufman or this website, contact:
Laurence Maslon
Literary Trustee, George S. Kaufman Estate
