LA CONTESSA (1965)

Adapted from Maurice Druon's novel The Film Memory
Presented by: H. M. Tennent Ltd. and Leland Hayward and Seven Arts Productions (U.K.) Ltd.
Play by: Paul Osborn
Directed by: Robert Helpmann
Costumes: Beatrice Dawson
Settings: Desmond Heeley
Lighting: Joe Davis
Previews: at Newcastle, April 6, 1965; Liverpool, April 19, 1965; Manchester, May 4, 1965
Cast: Vivien Leigh (Contessa Sanziani), Percy Marmont (Count Sanziani), David Knight (Peter Somers), Joseph Furst (Vittorio Vicaria), Stanley Lloyd (Walter), Gerald Cross (Pavelli), Bruce Montague (Clerk), Nicola Paget (Carmela), Anna Middleton (Valentina), John Gay (Revato), John Gill (Do Wolf)

Robert Helpmann (to the press): This is not a play of ideas. It is nothing to do with kitchen sinks. It is a romance.

The critic of the Newcastle Daily Express: Well, nobody is going to quibble about that assessment [see the Helpnann's comment]. It is in fact as stylized and as conscientiously romantic as a novelette - but it is a quite impossible play.

May 10th, Manchester. Vivien Leigh wrote Cindy Dietz:
      My darling Cindy, It seems forever since I heard from you. I think about you and miss you. You will have herd from Paul [Osborn, the author] of our troubles. He was so dear and helpful when he was here, and I am so deeply hurt for him over the disappointment. It just doesn't seem to be the sort of play they want to see here at this time. Anyway, when I think of the years and work he put into it, it is heartbreaking. I do hope all his present ventures will make up it in some measure. I simply do not know what I shall do next. This is the last week and of course it is distressing playing on knowing we are not going in [to London].

Photos: Visit the Photo gallery

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