- Born Yesterday
*"For the 1950 film version, see
Born Yesterday (1950 film) "
*"For the 1993 remake, seeBorn Yesterday (1993 film) ""Born Yesterday" is a play written and first directed byGarson Kanin and adapted into a successful 1950 film. It was remade in 1993 with the same name. Actress and comedianJudy Holliday originated the role of Billie Dawn on Broadway, as well as theGeorge Cukor adaptation made byColumbia Pictures . The remake, directed byLuis Mandoki and released throughBuena Vista Pictures , starredMelanie Griffith as the central character and updated the plot. A 1989 revival of the play starredMadeline Kahn .Plot
An uncouth, corrupt tycoon, Harry Brock, brings his showgirl mistress Billie Dawn with him to
Washington, D.C. When Billie's ignorance becomes a liability to Brock's business dealings, he hires a journalist, Paul Verrall, to educate his girlfriend. In the process of learning, Billie Dawn realizes how corrupt her boyfriend is and begins interfering with his plans to "buy" a few Congressmen.1946 stage production
The stage production of the play opened on February 4, 1946 at the Lyceum Theater, where it began the first of 1,642 [ [http://www.playbill.com/reference/theatre_info/2160.html Playbill article on Lyceum] ] performances. Directed by its writer,
Garson Kanin , and starringJudy Holliday (Dawn), Paul Douglas (Brock), andGary Merrill (Verrall), the play opened to rave reviews. After over two years at the Lyceum, the play moved to the larger Henry Miller Theater with the same cast, where it finished its run onChristmas Eve of 1950.For his performance as Harry Brock, Paul Douglas was awarded the 1946 Clarence Derwent Award for the most promising male.
Cast
Paul Douglas "as" Harry Brock
Judy Holliday "as" Billie DawnGary Merrill "as" Paul VerrallCarroll Ashburn "as" The Assistant ManagerFrank Otto "as" Eddie BrockLarry Oliver "as" Senator Norval HedgesMona Bruns "as" Mrs. HedgesC.L. Burke "as" A WaiterEllen Hall "as" HelenReferences
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