The Headmaster (play)

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The Headmaster is a British comedy play by Edward Knoblock and Wilfred Coleby which was first staged in 1913. A farce, it involves a clergyman working as the headmaster of a school who tries to persuade his daughter to marry the idiotic son of an influential figure in the hope of being promoted to bishop.

Edward Knoblock British general and writer

Edward Knoblock was an American-born British playwright and novelist most remembered for the often revived 1911 play, Kismet.

Farce Comedy genre

In theatre, a farce is a comedy that aims at entertaining the audience through situations that are highly exaggerated, extravagant, and thus improbable. Farce is also characterized by physical humor, the use of deliberate absurdity or nonsense, and broadly stylized performances. It is also often set in one particular location, where all events occur. Farces have been written for the stage and film.

A bishop is an ordained, consecrated, or appointed member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight.

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Adaptation

In 1921 the play was turned into a silent film The Headmaster directed by Kenelm Foss. [1]

The Headmaster is a 1921 British silent comedy-drama film directed by Kenelm Foss and starring Cyril Maude, Margot Drake and Miles Malleson. It is based on the 1913 play The Headmaster by Edward Knoblock and Wilfred Coleby. The film can be summarized as a clergyman working as the headmaster of a school tries to persuade his daughter to marry the idiotic son of an influential figure in the hope of being promoted to bishop.

Kenelm Foss actor, director and author

Kenelm Foss was a British actor, theatre director, author, screenwriter and film director.

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References

  1. Low p.379

Bibliography