Hell's Bells (play)

Hell's Bells
Humphrey Bogart and Shirley Booth in Hell's Bells
Written byBarry Conners
Directed byJohn Hayden
Date premieredJanuary 26, 1925 (1925-01-26)
Place premieredWallack's Theatre
Original languageEnglish
SubjectFamily squabble over imaginary wealth
GenreFarce
SettingLiving room of Tanglewood Lodge, New Dauville, Connecticut

Hell's Bells AKA Fool's Gold, is a 1924 play in three acts written by Barry Conners.[1] It is a farce[2] with a large cast and one setting.[3] The story concerns two middle-aged Arizona-based prospecters, sent back East by a speculator to sell shares in his mine. To expedite sales, they pose as millionaires, which leads the Connecticut sisters of one prospector to have him committed so they can obtain control of his supposed wealth.

Produced by Herman Gantvoort,[4] it starred Tom H. Walsh and Eddie Garvie, with Olive May, Humphrey Bogart, and Shirley Booth in support.[5] It ran on Broadway from late January through May 1925. During those four months it changed venues twice,[6][7] and was marred by an on-stage shooting incident on February 11, 1925.[8] The play has never had a Broadway revival, nor was it ever adapted for film.

  1. ^ "'Hell's Bells' Stagey Play". The New York Times. New York, New York. January 27, 1925. p. 14 – via NYTimes.com.
  2. ^ Mantle, Burns (January 29, 1925). "'Hell's Bells' Has Much Original Humor". Daily News. New York, New York. p. 56 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "'Fool's Gold' At The Garrick". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. December 23, 1924. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Singer Has Now Become Producer". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. December 28, 1924. p. 28 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ E. F. S. (January 28, 1925). "'Hell's Bells". Brooklyn Citizen. Brooklyn, New York. p. 14 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Theatre Notes". Daily News. New York, New York. February 16, 1925. p. 120 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Gossip Doorman Told Stage-Door Johnny". Daily News. New York, New York. March 20, 1925. p. 110 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Actor Shot on Stage With Wrong Pistol". Brooklyn Times Union. Brooklyn, New York. February 12, 1925. p. 18 – via Newspapers.com.