THEATER IN AMERICA: PARADISE LOST (TV)
Summary
One in this series of dramatic arts productions. This installment presents a performance of Clifford Odets' "Paradise Lost." Host Luther Adler, who originated the role of Sam in 1935 with the Group Theatre, briefly discusses Odets' meaningful influence on their cast and his narrative intentions for the play. The story begins at the Gordon home in New York in November 1932, when Leo Gordon refuses to accept a "German bird" as a pet in his home. His longtime friend Gus Michaels voices his desire to start a business, though Leo's wife Clara reminds him that Leo lost most of his money in the '29 crash and cannot help him. They discuss Leo's adult son Ben, a former Olympic runner, noting that he cannot hope to marry Gus' daughter Libby before securing a job, and Ben's friend Kewpie, generally disliked by the rest of the family, arrives in search of him. Leo's other son Julie comments on the state of the stock market, annoyed that his superiors are so "myopic" about the economy, and family friend Mr. Pike arrives with more bad news from the outside world, feeling that it is not "natural" for people to starve and suffer as many are now doing.
Local Democratic politician Foley stops by and tries to persuade the family to support him, though Leo firmly states that he does not vote at all. Pike grows angry at Foley's insinuations about their patriotism, revealing that he lost both of his sons to World War I, and Foley quickly departs. Libby and Ben then arrive home in a state of excitement, having impulsively married that afternoon, and a newspaper reporter arrives to take photos of the family for a piece about the wedding. Only the third Gordon child, Pearl, reacts with open hostility, telling Ben that he has "some nerve" marrying without a means of supporting his wife. Ben assures his family that while he can no longer run competitively due to a heart condition, he intends to secure a cushy job on Wall Street. Kewpie corners Libby and pointedly reminds her of their trysts while Ben was in Europe with the Olympics, and a confused Leo briefly spots them together. Kewpie, feeling rejected by both parties, complains to Ben about Libby and drops hints about her past with other men, and Ben coldly throws him out when Kewpie strikes him. Julie, who suffers from a "sleeping sickness" (likely encephalitis), persuades a reluctant Clara to go out and enjoy a card game with her friends, and he spends the evening with Gus, who briefly talks about his late wife, "a very nervous woman."
Pearl's longtime fiancé Felix arrives and sadly breaks up with her, explaining that he is going to Chicago to find work and urging her to "find a better man." Lucy and Schnabel, two workers from Leo and Sam's business, arrive with a list of demands, including higher wages and better working conditions. Leo immediately agrees that they deserve better, though Sam refuses to acquiesce, feeling that they are being taken advantage of. Pike, Gus and Leo sit down to toast the kids' marriage, though they are distracted by a radio piece about Armistice Day, prompting Pike to furiously denounce the "obscene war," upset that the country seems to be on the brink of yet another one. Leo, however, remains optimistic about the state of the world.
In March 1934, everyone is concerned when Gus disappears for a night, though he soon returns and heatedly explains that he was tossed in jail for defending a young woman from a grabby policeman. Ben, now a proud new father, arrives in good spirits and announces that Kewpie has a promising job opportunity for him, though Leo reminds him not to accept a dishonest offer. Ben then thanks Gus for giving Libby $30 for their rent, and Julie, whose health seems to be worsening, wanders the house in a tuxedo. An unhappy Pearl argues with Pike about his "radical ideas," and when Kewpie arrives, Gus sternly orders him to stay away from his daughter, correctly inferring that Kewpie actually supplied the $30 and has rekindled his affair with Libby. Ben confronts Kewpie, recalling a disturbing incident from their childhood in which another friend died in an accident, and questions him about Libby. Kewpie declares that Libby no longer loves her husband and dares Ben to kill him, though they soon depart the house together, observed by Julie. Pike concludes that "the system" breeds war and unemployment amongst the masses, and Gus, summoned by Libby to watch his young grandson, reminisces about happier times with his wife. Sam introduces Leo to a Mr. May, who, in so many words, offers to burn down their business for the insurance money, though Leo refuses at once. Julie overhears Sam's harsh comments about his own fatal illness, and in the ensuing argument, Sam tearfully admits that he has stolen money from their business. His timid wife Bertha finally speaks up and hints at dark secrets in their marriage, though reveals that she has savings of her own that can rescue them from ruin. Left alone together, Leo tells Clara about May, and Clara appears to consider the criminal's offer, aware that they are in deep financial trouble.
In April 1935, Clara tenderly cares for Julie, whose illness has rendered him nearly catatonic. The family's money troubles have clearly worsened, and Leo returns from a failed attempt to secure a loan as Pearl mourns the sale of their piano, her sole happiness in life. When a now-wealthy Kewpie arrives at the home, it is revealed that Ben has died, apparently via suicide by cop. Kewpie protests that he still "carries him around" and tries to offer the family money, but Leo angrily refuses it. Foley barges in, angry that their repossessed furniture is out on the sidewalk in the way of his block party, and when they refuse his money as well, a policeman orders his men to bring the items back inside. Gus, having sold his beloved stamp collection for $250, offers the money to Leo, but Pike arrives with two homeless men, Paul and Williams, and Leo tries to give them the cash, stating that he and his class are "responsible" for the men's troubles. Paul reacts with incredulity, ranting that Leo is naive and that he himself was once successful before losing everything to random chance. Leo, however, speaks movingly about "the greatness of men," feeling that despite everything, there is still hope for the future of mankind.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: November 30, 1973 8:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 2:37:26
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:85974
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama; Families; Depressions (economic) - 1930s
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Jac Venza … Executive Producer
- Glenn Jordan … Producer, Director
- Matthew N. Herman … Associate Producer
- Clifford Odets … Writer
- Luther Adler … Host
- Jo Van Fleet … Cast, Clara Gordon
- Eli Wallach … Cast, Leo Gordon
- Sam Groom … Cast, Ben Gordon
- Bernadette Peters … Cast, Libby Michaels
- George Voskovec … Cast, Gus Michaels
- Cliff Gorman … Cast, Kewpie
- Fred Gwynne … Cast, Mr. Pike
- Mike Kellin … Cast, Sam Katz
- Biff McGuire … Cast, Phil Foley
- George Bartenieff … Cast, Dave
- Jay Garner … Cast, Mr. May
- Howard Green … Cast, Felix
- Rose Gregorio … Cast, Lucy
- David Hurst … Cast, Schabel
- Dorrie Kavanaugh … Cast, Pearl
- Sam Schacht … Cast, Julie Gordon
- James T. Sloyan … Cast, Williams
- Marian Winters … Cast, Bertha
- MacIntyre Dixon … Cast
- Ric Mancini … Cast
- John Kendrick … Cast
- Roy K. Stevens … Cast
- Brandwell Teuscher … Cast
- Ed Wagner … Cast