You Never Can Tell

Summary: 1958 Associated-Rediffusion production for ITV of You Never Can Tell by George Bernard Shaw.
Theatre play: You Never Can Tell by [George] Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) [more information]
Play synopsis: 'The play is set in a seaside town and tells the story of Mrs Clandon and her three children, Dolly, Phillip and Gloria, who have just returned to England after an eighteen-year stay in Madeira. The children have no idea who their father is and, through a comedy of errors, end up inviting him to a family lunch. At the same time a dentist named Valentine has fallen in love with the eldest daughter, Gloria. However, Gloria considers herself a modern woman and claims to have no interest in love or marriage. The play continues with a comedy of errors and confused identities, with the friendly and wise waiter, Walter (most commonly referred to by the characters as "William," because Dolly thinks he resembles Shakespeare), dispensing his wisdom with the titular phrase "You Never Can Tell" ' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Never_Can_Tell_%28play%29).
Production history: Staged in 1897 at the Royalty Theatre, London.
Date of transmission: Wednesday 16 July 1958
Time: 8.30-10.00pm
Series: Play of the Week
Channel: ITV
Production company: Associated-Rediffusion (1955-1964)

Director

David Boisseau

Playwright

[George] Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

Designer

John Clements (1910-1988)

Cast

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