# Pigs (play) > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Pigs_(play) > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Pigs_(play).md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigs_(play) > Source revision: 1331060111 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|1924 play}} {{Infobox play | name = Pigs | image = Rosemary Hilton, Wallace Ford and Nydia Westman in 'Pigs' 1924 play.jpg | image_size = | caption = Rosemary Hilton, Wallace Ford and Nydia Westman in Act II | writer = Anne Morrison and Patterson McNutt | based_on = | director = [Frank Craven](/source/Frank_Craven) | setting = The Atkins' living room and Hendricks farm | premiere = {{Start date|1924|09|01}} | place = [Little Theatre](/source/Hayes_Theater) | orig_lang = English | series = | subject = Young couple raise money to save family home | genre = Comedy }} '''''Pigs''''' is a 1924 play written by Anne Morrison and Patterson McNutt.{{cite news |title='Pigs' |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |date=September 2, 1924 |location=Brooklyn, New York |page=15 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} It is a three-act comedy with four scenes.Morrison and McNutt, page 3 It has a medium-sized cast, two settings, and fast pacing. The story concerns a young man who senses a great business opportunity in some ailing pigs. With the help of a young woman and his mother, he demonstrates his veterinary skills and saves the family home. It was first produced by [John Golden](/source/John_Golden) and staged by [Frank Craven](/source/Frank_Craven),{{cite news |title=The Fall Deluge Sweeps Down Upon Broadway |work=Muncie Evening Press |date=September 2, 1924 |location=Muncie, Indiana |page=5 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} and starred [Wallace Ford](/source/Wallace_Ford) and [Nydia Westman](/source/Nydia_Westman).{{cite news |title=Theatre Notes |work=Daily News |date=August 25, 1924 |location=New York, New York |page=76 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} It ran on Broadway from September 1924 thru June 1925. The production then started touring in October 1925.{{cite news |title="Pigs" Coming |work=Brooklyn Citizen |date=October 11, 1925 |location=Brooklyn, New York |page=15 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}}{{cite news |title=Miss Granger Rejoins Show |work=The Buffalo News |date=November 18, 1925 |location=Buffalo, New York |page=3 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} ==Characters== Listed in order of appearance within their scope.
'''Leads''' * '''Thomas Atkins Jr.''' called "Junior", is 18, strongly built, a high school graduate and would-be veterinarian. * '''Mildred Cushing''' is 17, Junior's self-appointed fiancé, who uses her eavesdropping skills to benefit him. '''Supporting''' * '''Thomas Atkins Sr.''' called "Senior", is a small-town attorney whose practice is not doing well. * '''Hector Spencer''' is Senior's brother-in-law, age 30, unemployed, shifty, lazy and a cad. * '''Grandma Spencer''' is Senior's widowed mother-in-law; fussy, querulous, a gossip, who dotes on her son Hector. * '''Ellen Atkins''' is Senior's wife, age 42, an intelligent, discreet, and considerate person. * '''Spencer Atkins''' is Senior's older son, age 23, just graduated [Harvard Law School](/source/Harvard_Law_School) but wants to write poetry. * '''Lenore Hastings''' is Mildred's beautiful cousin, age 21, a social butterfly whom Mildred has the goods on. '''Featured''' * '''Smith Hastings''' is Lenore's father and Mildred's uncle. He is age 55 and prosperous. * '''Dr. Springer''' is a large-animal veterinarian, a friend of Junior. '''Off stage''' * '''Tillie Hendricks''' is a compromised young lady with a baby, whom Grandma Spencer paid $2000 to stay away. ==Synopsis== The play is set in the fictional town of Medbury, Indiana, near the Illinois state line.Morrison and McNutt, page 4 '''Act I''' (Atkins living room) Senior is upset with Junior's pleas to borrow $250 to buy 250 cholera-infected pigs. Senior's finances are precarious; his mother-in-law borrowed $2000 from him and he has no ready cash. There is also a note coming due on the mortgage. Junior is convinced he can cure the pigs and resell them for a large profit. Grandma Spencer and Hector are in the living room when Ellen returns from visiting a bereaved neighbor. Grandma Spencer is incensed, claiming the recently deceased still owed her own dead husband $16. Ellen gently refutes her; the neighbor showed a ledger wherein the money had been paid to Hector. The latter quickly leaves for a trip downtown. Junior departs to return a healed goat to a neighbor. Later, Mildred explains to Senior that Junior and her are engaged and need the profits from the pig deal to get married. Spencer Atkins enters, dressed in Junior's only good suit for a party. He's surprised to learn Junior and Mildred are coming as well, and quickly departs. When Junior returns, Mildred tells him about the note for the mortgage, which she overheard her uncle discuss. Junior hurries upstairs to put on a suit that is no longer there. When Hector returns, Mildred innocently asks if he's feeling better now. Suspicious, he deduces Junior has secretly given him something. His yells of "Poison!" bring everyone else. Junior confesses he gave Hector a store-bought tonic to perk him up so he could go find work. Junior is angry with Mildred and breaks the engagement. (Curtain) '''Act II''' (Same setting, about 2pm the next day) Mildred and Junior reconcile while considering how $250 might be had. Smith Hastings comes by to talk with Senior, reminds him of the note coming due and rejects any delay. On his way out Mildred hits up her uncle for the cash, but he declines. Lenore comes by in her car, and Mildred tries to put the screws to her, on the basis of past indiscretions. Mildred coyly mentions to Hector that Tillie Hendricks was in town, holding a baby. He panics and runs out calling for his mother. Junior is in despair until Ellen twists her engagement ring off, and hands it to him. Use this, she urges, its worth more than $250. (Curtain) '''Act III''' (Scene 1: Hendrick's farm about 4am the next morning) Dr. Springer and Mildred are readying buckets of slop mixed with Junior's tonic. They can't see how many pigs are still alive until dawn comes. Junior rushes in with more tonic. He had to dodge an auto with Spencer and Lenore, who are out looking for them. The auto pulls into the farmyard; Junior and Mildred hide, while Dr. Springer deals with the searchers. After they leave, Junior and Mildred come out as Dr. Springer fills the pig troughs with the slop. The pigs come running and eat, delighting all three of them. (Scene 2: Atkins living room about 8pm same day) Everyone has been in an uproar about the missing couple. Junior and Mildred explain they got married over the state line, with Dr. Springer and Tillie Hendricks as witnesses. The buyer of the pigs gave Junior a certified check for $2400, which he endorses over to Senior. Tillie phones, and Mildred pressures Hector to talk with and later go see her. Junior asks for some of the money back when the check is cashed, so he can redeem his mother's ring. Grandma Spencer is left alone, muttering "Pigs!". (Curtain) ==Original production== ===Background=== Author Anne Morrison was an actress who had written one previous play, while Patterson McNutt was a sportswriter at the ''[New York World](/source/New_York_World)'', the younger brother of [William Slavens McNutt](/source/William_Slavens_McNutt).{{cite news |title=John Golden's Latest Delights Theatre-Goers |work=The Record Journal |date=December 17, 1924 |location=Meriden, Connecticut |page=11 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} Their first version of the play, copyright 1923 to both authors, was called ''Johnny Jones, Jr.''.Morrison and McNutt, page 1 The second version, copyright 1924 to John Golden and the authors, was titled ''Pigs''. ===Cast=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="font-size: 90%" |+ Cast for the tryouts in Elmira, Atlantic City, Stamford, Asbury Park and during the original Broadway run. The production was on hiatus from June 8 through August 21, 1924. |- ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Actor ! scope="col" | Dates ! scope="col" | Notes and sources |- |Thomas Atkins Jr.This character was called Johnny Jones, Jr during the first two tryouts. |[Wallace Ford](/source/Wallace_Ford) |May 30, 1924 - Jun 23, 1925 |Among Ford's previous roles was a stint as Abie in the original production of ''[Abie's Irish Rose](/source/Abie's_Irish_Rose)''. |- |Mildred Cushing |[Nydia Westman](/source/Nydia_Westman) |May 30, 1924 - Jun 23, 1925 |This was Westman's first Broadway role; she had been with Golden's touring companies.{{cite news |title=At The Theatre |work=Asbury Park Press |date=August 22, 1924 |location=Asbury Park, New Jersey |page=14 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} |- |rowspan=2|Thomas Atkins Sr.This character was called John Jones, Sr during the first two tryouts. |[Richard Carlyle](/source/Richard_Carlyle_(actor%2C_born_1879)) |May 30, 1924 - Jun 07, 1924 | |- |George Henry Trader |Aug 22, 1924 - Jun 23, 1925 | |- |Hector Spencer |Phillip Barrison |May 30, 1924 - Jun 23, 1925 | |- |Grandma Spencer |[Maude Granger](/source/Maude_Granger) |May 30, 1924 - Jun 23, 1925 | |- |rowspan=2|Spencer AtkinsThis character was called Spencer Jones during the first two tryouts. |Robert Keith |May 30, 1924 - Jun 07, 1924 | |- |[Alan Bunce](/source/Alan_Bunce) |Aug 22, 1924 - Jun 23, 1925 | |- |rowspan=2|Ellen AtkinsThis character was called Ellen Jones during the first two tryouts. |Jane Ellison |May 30, 1924 - Jun 07, 1924 | |- |[May Buckley](/source/May_Buckley) |Aug 22, 1924 - Jun 23, 1925 | |- |Lenore Hastings |Rosemary Hilton |May 30, 1924 - Jun 23, 1925 |She was a younger sister of hotel magnate [Conrad Hilton](/source/Conrad_Hilton).{{cite news |title=Rosemary Hilton - Actress |work=Lancaster New Era |date=March 15, 1924 |location=Lancaster, Pennsylvania |page=10 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}}{{cite news |author=Mrs. Anton Mayer |title=Socorro |work=Albuquerque Journal |date=September 20, 1926 |location=Albuquerque, New Mexico |page=3 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} |- |rowspan=2|Smith Hastings |James Kearney |May 30, 1924 - Dec 13, 1924 | |- |William Cox |Dec 15, 1924 - Jun 23, 1925 | |- |rowspan=2|Dr. SpringerThis character was created during the hiatus between the second and third tryouts. |John Francis |Aug 22, 1924 - Aug 30, 1924 | |- |Frederick Malcolm |Sep 01, 1924 - Jun 23, 1925 | |- |} ===Tryouts=== ''Pigs'' was first given a tryout at the Lyceum Theatre in [Elmira, New York](/source/Elmira%2C_New_York) on May 30, 1924.{{cite news |title='Pigs', Golden's Latest Comedy, Scores Triumph Before Elmirans |work=Star Gazette |date=May 31, 1924 |location=Elmira, New York |page=3 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} Though the title had changed from ''Johnny Jones, Jr.'', the main character still bore that name, as did members of his family. The local reviewer was enthusiastic about the presence of John Golden at the debut, and predicted a long run in New York. After a few performances in Elmira, the production moved to the [Apollo Theatre](/source/Apollo_Theatre_(Atlantic_City%2C_New_Jersey)) in [Atlantic City, New Jersey](/source/Atlantic_City%2C_New_Jersey), opening on June 2, 1924.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=E. F. |title='Pigs' Regular Golden Show |work=Atlantic City Daily Press |date=June 3, 1924 |location=Atlantic City, New Jersey |page=2 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} Here the local critic was more forthcoming about the plot, inadvertently revealing some differences with the later version of the play. One difference was Grandma Spender had borrowed the money from Smith Hastings, rather than her son-in-law. Another was that all three acts were described as having the same setting, nor was there any mention of Dr. Springer. The third tryout for ''Pigs'' was held in [Stamford, Connecticut](/source/Stamford%2C_Connecticut) on August 22, 1924.{{cite news |title=Golden Announces 'Pigs' Company |work=Daily News |date=August 20, 1924 |location=New York, New York |page=20 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} The production then moved to the Savoy Theatre in [Asbury Park, New Jersey](/source/Asbury_Park%2C_New_Jersey), where it opened on August 25, 1924.{{cite news |author=W. S. C. |title=The Play |work=Asbury Park Press |date=August 26, 1924 |location=Asbury Park, New Jersey |page=2 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} A local review shows the play had assumed its final form: Dr. Springer was now in the cast list, the Jones family was renamed to Atkins, Grandma Spencer borrowed the $2000 from Thomas Atkins Sr, and the presence of real pigs on the stage showed the Hendricks farm scene had been added. ===Premiere and reception=== After a week in New Jersey, ''Pigs'' had its Broadway premiere on September 1, 1924, at the [Little Theatre](/source/Hayes_Theater). The reviewer for the ''[Brooklyn Daily Eagle](/source/Brooklyn_Daily_Eagle)'' said the plot was not original, but worked through a sense of fun created by the two leads, [Wallace Ford](/source/Wallace_Ford) and [Nydia Westman](/source/Nydia_Westman). The ''[Brooklyn Times-Union](/source/Brooklyn_Times-Union)'' reviewer thought overall the play was pleasing despite some weakness in Philip Barrison's acting, but felt cutting a minute from the ending would be beneficial.{{cite news |title=Pleasing Comedy |work=Brooklyn Times-Union |date=September 2, 1924 |location=Brooklyn, New York |page=6 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} [Burns Mantle](/source/Burns_Mantle) at the ''[New York Daily News](/source/New_York_Daily_News)'' was enthusiastic only about Nydia Westman's performance.{{cite news |last=Mantle |first=Burns |title='Pigs' Not So Much; Heroine Is Charming |work=Daily News |date=September 2, 1924 |location=New York, New York |page= |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} He thought the story was weak, despite director Frank Craven's attempt to punch it up with comic touches, and that only Wallace Ford in the cast offered much support to Nydia Westman. The ''[Brooklyn Citizen](/source/Brooklyn_Citizen)'' critic was more generous, heaping praise on Wallace Ford, [Maude Granger](/source/Maude_Granger), and [May Buckley](/source/May_Buckley), but agreed with Burns Mantle that Nydia Westman was the most important part of the play.{{cite news |title='Pigs' |work=Brooklyn Citizen |date=September 2, 1924 |location=Brooklyn, New York |page=5 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} The ''Brooklyn Standard Union'' also praised Nydia Westman, thought Wallace Ford and [Alan Bunce](/source/Alan_Bunce) were good, but felt Maude Granger had overacted.{{cite news |title='Pigs' Presented at the Little Theatre, Manhattan |work=Brooklyn Standard Union |date=September 2, 1924 |location=Brooklyn, New York |page=8 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} ===Closing=== The play closed on June 23, 1925, after 348 performances.{{cite news |title=The Golden Dozen |work=Daily News |date=June 23, 1925 |location=New York, New York |page=34 |via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} ==Notes== {{reflist|group=fn}} ==References== '''Synopsis source''' * {{cite book |first1=Anne|last1=Morrison|first2=Patterson|last2=McNutt|title=Pigs: A Comedy in Three Acts |publisher=Samuel French, Inc |year=1924 |page= |isbn= |url= |quote= }} '''Citations''' {{reflist}} {{Authority control}} Category:1924 plays Category:American comedy plays Category:Broadway plays Category:Plays set in Indiana --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Pigs (play)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigs_(play)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigs_(play)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.