At the time of a paralyzing drought in the West we discover a girl whose father and two brothers are worried as much about her becoming an old maid as they are about their dying cattle. For the truth is, she is indeed a plain girl. The brothers try every possible scheme to marry her off, but without success. Nor is there any sign of relief from the dry heat. When suddenly from out of nowhere appears a picaresque character with a mellifluous t

    This 1960's French farce adapted for the English-speaking stage features self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, who has Italian, German, and American fiancees, each beautiful airline hostesses with frequent "layovers." He keeps "one up, one down and one pending" until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Paris and Bernard's apartment at the same time.

    . . He is - it is now yet more evident - a searing, intelligent, disturbing sociologist with a talent for satirical dialogue and a flair for sexual sensationalism" (Financial Times)

    Based on Carlo Goldoni's classic Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters, in this new English version by prize-winning playwright Richard Bean, sex, food, and money are high on the agenda.

    Osborne was influenced by Erik Erikson's book, Young Man Luther, which had been published 3 years prior in 1958. In the play, Luther's reputed constipation played a part in the course of Luther's life & career. Osborne takes Luther to task for his Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants (1525) & its call for vigorous suppression of the peasants in the Peasants' Revolt (1524-26). Osborne has Luther giving a philosophically & theologically good answer to the challenge, consistent with Luther's own thinking. This would seem to exculpate Osborne of any accusation of being totally one-sided against Luther. Luther seems to have been a disappointment to Osborne, since he could have followed thru in his life as a revolutionary. He does have Johann von Staupitz, although at a time when the historical person would have been dead at least a year, telling Luther: "We owe so much to you." The play was made into a film, starring Stacy Keach, Judi Dench, Maurice Denham, Hugh Griffith, Patrick Magee, & Robert Stephens in 1974.