Broadway1954
The Desperate Hours
- Dates
- Feb 10 – Aug 13, 1955
- Performances
- 212
About
The Desperate Hours is a 1955 play by Joseph Hayes, adapted from his 1954 novel of the same title. It is a three-act melodrama, with a medium-sized cast and tense pacing. The story concerns a family of four, living in a suburb of Indianapolis, whose quiet home is invaded by three convicts recently escaped from prison. The play was produced by the author and Howard Erskine, staged by Robert Montgomery, and starred Karl Malden and Nancy Coleman as the parents, with Paul Newman as the convict leader. Besides an excellent cast, taut writing and staging, the production had an extraordinary set design by Howard Bay. It was the recipient of several drama awards, including two Tonys, but has never had a Broadway revival.