Compulsion

N.p. N.p., Circa 1957. Draft script for the 1957 play, which debuted on October 24, 1957, at the Ambassador Theatre, running for 140 performances and closing on February 22, 1958. Copy belonging to an unknown participant in development (not Levin), with their substantive revisions and deletions in holograph pencil throughout.

Based on Levin's 1956 novel, in turn based on the notorious Leopold and Loeb murder trial of 1924. Two wealthy law students kill a boy in order to commit "the perfect crime," but are promptly arrested for the murder and sent to trial, where a famed attorney takes their case. Levin's novel would be adapted for film in 1959, starring Orson Welles and Bradford Dillman, with Dean Stockwell reprising his role. OCLC locates no holdings.

Set in Chicago.

Dark green titled Studio Duplicating Service wrappers. Title page present, undated, with credits for screenwriter Meyer Levin. 189 leaves, with last page of text numbered 3-38. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good, with moderate creasing near the binding, bound with three silver brads.

[Book #158362]