The Reluctant Debutante [excerpt]

Summary: BBC Television presentation of a 45-minute excerpt from the comedy The Reluctant Debutante by William Douglas Home, in the current London production. This was a ‘special performance before an invited audience from the Cambridge Theatre, London’ (Radio Times, 7 October 1955, p. 20).
Theatre play: The Reluctant Debutante by William Douglas Home (1912-1993) [more information]
Play synopsis: 'The plot follows an aristocratic family during one of London’s debutante seasons. It is a light-hearted, almost farcical, comedy which revolves around the mother’s deep anxiety and attempts to avoid scandal after she confuses two men (both called David) and accidentally sets up her daughter with David Hoylake-Johnston (who has a reputation as a philanderer) instead of David Bulloch (who she believes to be the perfect match for her daughter)' (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Reluctant_Debutante_(play), accessed 13 November 2012).
Production history: First performed at the Theatre Royal, Brighton, quickly transferring to the Cambridge Theatre, London in May 1955, where it enjoyed a long run. In June 1955, MGM bought the film and stage rights and in the following year the play premièred on Broadway with some changes of cast but with Anna Massey remaining in the lead and Wilfred Hyde-White playing her father.
Date of transmission: Monday 10 October 1955
Time: 8.00-8.45pm
Channel: BBC Television
Production company: BBC

Director

Jack Minster

Television Presentation by

Alan Chivers

Playwright

William Douglas Home (1912-1993)

Sets / Settings

Scott Hutchinson

Introduced by

Brian Johnston

Cast

Title: Radio Times, 7 October 1955 (Magazine)
Linking notes: listing and image of actor Anna Massey in character.on p. 20; article, p. 21

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British Universities Film & Video Council