General John Regan (play)
Encyclopedia
General John Regan is a comedy play by the Irish writer George A. Birmingham
. A confidence trickster convinces a small Irish town that a statue out to be erected to one of its natives who is claimed to have led the independence movement of a South American country, closely modelled on Bernardo O'Higgins
.
It premiered at the Apollo Theatre
in London on 8 January 1913 where it had a long run. Its American premier was at the Hudson Theatre
in New York
on 13 November 1913. It received good reviews from critics, and was commercially successful. When it was first staged at Westport, Ireland it provoked a riot
as the crowd objected to the depiction of what they felt was a mocking representation of their town.
version General John Regan
was made. In 1933 a sound version General John Regan
was made starring Henry Edwards
and Chrissie White
.
George A. Birmingham
George A. Birmingham was the pen name of James Owen Hannay , Irish clergyman and prolific novelist.-Life and career:...
. A confidence trickster convinces a small Irish town that a statue out to be erected to one of its natives who is claimed to have led the independence movement of a South American country, closely modelled on Bernardo O'Higgins
Bernardo O'Higgins
Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme was a Chilean independence leader who, together with José de San Martín, freed Chile from Spanish rule in the Chilean War of Independence. Although he was the second Supreme Director of Chile , he is considered one of Chile's founding fathers, as he was the first holder...
.
It premiered at the Apollo Theatre
Apollo Theatre
The Apollo Theatre is a Grade II listed West End theatre, on Shaftesbury Avenue in the City of Westminster. Designed by architect Lewin Sharp for owner Henry Lowenfield, and the fourth legitimate theatre to be constructed on the street, its doors opened on 21 February 1901 with the American...
in London on 8 January 1913 where it had a long run. Its American premier was at the Hudson Theatre
Hudson Theatre
The Hudson Theatre is a former Broadway theater located at 141 West 44th Street, in midtown Manhattan, New York. Today the Hudson functions as a conference center and television studio. It is owned by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels.-History:...
in New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
on 13 November 1913. It received good reviews from critics, and was commercially successful. When it was first staged at Westport, Ireland it provoked a riot
Riot
A riot is a form of civil disorder characterized often by what is thought of as disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of violence against authority, property or people. While individuals may attempt to lead or control a riot, riots are thought to be typically chaotic and...
as the crowd objected to the depiction of what they felt was a mocking representation of their town.
Adaptations
The play has been adapted to film several times. In 1921 a silentSilent film
A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound, especially with no spoken dialogue. In silent films for entertainment the dialogue is transmitted through muted gestures, pantomime and title cards...
version General John Regan
General John Regan (1921 film)
General John Regan is a 1921 British comedy film directed by Harold M. Shaw and starring Milton Rosmer, Madge Stuart and Ward McAllister. It is based on the play General John Regan by George A. Birmingham.-Cast:* Milton Rosmer - Doctor O'Grady...
was made. In 1933 a sound version General John Regan
General John Regan (1933 film)
General John Regan is a 1933 British comedy film directed by Henry Edwards and starring Edwards, Chrissie White and Ben Welden. It is an adaptation of the 1913 play General John Regan by George A. Birmingham.-Cast:* Henry Edwards - Dr. O'Grady...
was made starring Henry Edwards
Henry Edwards (actor)
Henry Edwards was an English actor and film director. He appeared in 81 films between 1915 and 1952. He also directed 67 films between 1915 and 1937...
and Chrissie White
Chrissie White
Chrissie White was a British film actress of the silent era. She appeared in over 180 films between 1908 and 1933. White was married to actor and film director Henry Edwards, and in the 1920s the two were regarded as one of Britain's most famous and newsworthy celebrity couples. She starred in...
.