The Dark Tower
(1933)
By Alexander Woollcott and George S. Kaufman
Cast size: 9 men, 5 women; two sets
In a rare collaboration with his Algonquin Round Table comrade, Alexander Woollcott, Kaufman wrote his only murder mystery.
Manuscript only; contact: laurence.maslon@nyu.edu
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The Plot
In a rare collaboration with his Algonquin Round Table comrade, Alexander Woollcott, Kaufman wrote his only murder mystery. Woollcott, who was obsessed with murder and mayhem, instigated this drawing-room mystery, about a devious killer whose penchant for disguise allows him to commit what seems to be the perfect crime; a well-crafted thriller that anticipates Sleuth.
Other Plays in the Catalogue
Beggar on Horseback opened on February 24, 1924 at the Broadhurst Theatre and ran 224 performances. It was successfully produced in London the following season. A film version with Edward Everett Horton was released in 1925.
A dramatic epic story of assimilation, patriotism and prejudice in America. Kaufman and Hart’s most serious play, The American Way galvanized audiences at the large Century Theater in Rockefeller Center in the last days of the 1930s; it starred Frederic March as the leading character.
Silk Stockings' producers, Cy Feuer and Ernest Martin, had a success with Guys and Dolls in 1950. Attempting to work again with Kaufman, who directed that production, they ultimately balked at the romantic aspect of Kaufman's adaptation of the film, which he wrote with his second wife, Leueen MacGrath.
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Contact Us Today
Interested in bringing George S. Kaufman’s timeless plays to your stage?
Please refer to the contact information for each specific play on the various collection pages for direct amateur and professional licensing information.
Plays are represented by Concord Theatricals and Music Theatre International respectively.
If you are interested in first-class performance or film/television rights:
In the US, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:
CPK Artists, LLC
In the UK, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:
Alan Brodie Representation
For more information about George S. Kaufman or this website, contact:
Laurence Maslon
Literary Trustee, George S. Kaufman Estate




