James Maxwell Anderson (15 December 1888 – 28 February 1959) was an American playwright, author, poet, journalist and lyricist. His most famous play --Winterset --is a drama written largely in poetic form. It deals with an American tragedy: the executions of Sacco and Vanzetti, two Italian immigrants whose politics were considered to be 'radical'.
In fact, Ferdinando Nicola Sacco (April 22, 1891–August 23, 1927) and Bartolomeo Vanzetti (June 11, 1888–August 23, 1927) were anarchists --not terrorists. Today, there are few who believe that the charges against them were, in any way, justified. The trial on charges they murdered two men during a bank robbery in South Braintree, Massachusetts is still controversial for what has been called the 'utter lack of evidence' against them. After a controversial trial, a series of appeals, Sacco and Vanzetti were executed August 23, 1927.
There is still a highly politicized dispute over their guilt or innocence. Many believe that the trial were unfair, there was no admissible evidence against them, that much of the evidence was contradictory. There remains no consensus among historians.
There is still a highly politicized dispute over their guilt or innocence. Many believe that the trial were unfair, there was no admissible evidence against them, that much of the evidence was contradictory. There remains no consensus among historians.
The plot of 'Winterset' follows the 'quest' of Mio Romagna to prove his father’s innocence years after Bartolomeo Romagna had been executed for the crimes of robbery and murder. Mio's quest is complicated by his love for Miriamne Esdras and difficult ethical decisions resulting from his connection to her family.
Not surprisingly --'Winterset' is a very political play with 'Shakespearean meditations' on faith, truth, justice, love, and duty. It frequently alludes to the Bard as well as to Judaic philosophy.
The Broadway production was produced and directed by Guthrie McClintic. It opened September 25, 1935 at the Martin Beck Theatre in New York and ran for 195 performances. The cast included Burgess Meredith, Margo, and Eduardo Ciannelli. It won the first ever New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play.
Meredith, Margo, and Ciannelli were joined by John Carradine, Stanley Ridges, and Mischa Auer in the 1936 film adaptation, directed by Alfred Santell.
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The Broadway production was produced and directed by Guthrie McClintic. It opened September 25, 1935 at the Martin Beck Theatre in New York and ran for 195 performances. The cast included Burgess Meredith, Margo, and Eduardo Ciannelli. It won the first ever New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play.
Meredith, Margo, and Ciannelli were joined by John Carradine, Stanley Ridges, and Mischa Auer in the 1936 film adaptation, directed by Alfred Santell.
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