Stage Thrillers collection

Finding Aid

Prepared by Sarah Richardson, November 2008; Last Updated: July 2020

Descriptive Rules: DACS
Origination: Borowitz, Albert, 1930-2023 , and Borowitz, Helen Osterman 1929-2012
Inclusive Dates: 1898-2001
Bulk Dates: 1925-1996
Extent: 4 cubic feet (12 document cases)
Physical Location: 11th Floor
Language of Materials: English

Abstract: This collection, dating from 1898-2001, consists of plays in the genre of mystery thrillers. 

Scope and Content: This collection consists of scripts for stage thrillers spanning the years of 1898 to 2001. A majority of the items were published by the Samuel French publishing company. Many of the items were published in the United States and in England. A few of the scripts are accompanied by additional materials such as playbills. In this collection, there are many scripts authored by George Batson, Agatha Christie and Francis Durbridge as well as a play by Ayn Rand. Also included in this collection is the musical, Chicago, by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse with Music by John Kander.

Statement of Arrangement: The collection is arranged alphabetically by author.

Related Material: Similar scripts can be found in the Crime Drama collection.

Restrictions on Use: Please note items are copyrighted. Kent State University does not own the copyright. Except in rare cases, photocopies of complete plays will not be made.

Acquisition Information: Albert and Helen Borowitz donated this collection to Special Collections and Archives on November 14, 2006 as an addition to the Borowitz Crime collection.

Accruals: Additonal materials may be added to this collection on a continuing basis.

Bibliography: Borowitz, Albert. Blood & Ink: An International Guide to Fact-Based Crime Literature. Kent, Ohio: Kent State University Press, 2002. This publication is an annotated bibliography of crime literature.

Box 1
Folder -- Contents

1. Armstrong, Anthony. Ten-Minute Alibi: A Play in Three Acts. London: Victor Gollancz, 112 p., 1934.
2. Barry, Bob. Murder Among Friends: A Play in Two Acts. New York: Samuel French, 68 p., 1985.
3. Batson, George. Design for Murder: A Mystery Thriller in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 88 p., 1959.
4. Batson, George. Hangman's Noose: A Mystery Play in Three Acts. French's Standard Library Edition. New York: Samuel French, 75 p., 1947.
5. Batson, George. The House on the Cliff: A Mystery Comedy. London: Samuel French, 73 p., 1956.
6. Batson, George. Murder on Arrival: A Play in Three Acts. English version by Peter Hoar and Gawn Grainger. London: Samuel French, 68 p., 1958.
7. Batson, George. Ramshackle Inn: Mystery Farce in Three Acts . Revised Version. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 95 p., 1944.
8. Batson, George. Rehearsal for Death: A Mystery Comedy in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 88 p., 1977.
9. Bethencourt, João. The Day They Kidnapped the Pope: A Full Length Comedy. Chicago: The Dramatic Publishing Company, 73 p., 1979.
10. Blankfort, Dorothy and Michael Blankfort. Monique: A Drama in Two Acts. Based on the Novel Celle Qui N'Etait Plus by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac. New York: Samuel French, 93 p., 1957.

Box 2
Folder -- Contents

1. Bloomfield, Robert. Portrait of Murder: A Drama by Robert Bloomfield. French's Acting Edition. London: Samuel French, 66 p., 1964.
2. Brett, Simon. Murder in Play: A Play. London: Samuel French, 77 p., 1994.
3. Browne, Porter Emerson. The Bad Man: A Play in Three Acts by Porter Emerson Browne. French's Standard Library Edition. New York: Samuel French, 98 p., 1926. Includes bookplate of Ruth Gordon and Garsin Kanin.
4. Burke, Stewart. Key to Murder: A Play. London: Samuel French, 57 p., 1978.
5. Carmichael, Fred. All the Better to Kill You With: A Mystery in Two Acts by Fred Carmichael. New York: Samuel French, 99 p., 1968.
6. Carmichael, Fred. Out of Sight...Out of Murder: A Mystery Comedy by Fred Carmichael, Winner of the Vermont State Playwright Contest for 1983. New York: Samuel French, 112 p., 1983.
7. Caspary, Vera and George Sklar. Laura: A Play in Three Acts by Vera Caspary and George Sklar. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 69 p., 1945.
8. Charles, Moie and Barbara Toy. Agatha Christie's Murder at the Vicarage. Dramatized by Moie Charles and Barbara Toy. London: Samuel French, 83 p., 1950.
9. Chase, Olive and Stanley Clayton. Countercrime: A Play by Olive Chase and Stanley Clayton. French's Acting Edition. London: Samuel French, 90 p., 1968.
10. Chase, Oliver and Stewart Blake. Party to Murder: A Thriller. London: Samuel French, 66 p., 1974.
11. Chodorov, Jerome and Norman Panama. A Talent for Murder: A Mystery Comedy by Jerome Chodorov and Norman Panama. New York: Samuel French, 69 p., 1982. Includes Playbill for performance at Biltmore Theatre, September 1981.

Box 3
Folder -- Contents

1. Christie, Agatha. Afternoon at the Seaside: A Play in One Act. Rule of Three. London: Samuel French, 36 p., 1963.
2. Christie, Agatha. Black Coffee: A Mystery Play in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 136 p., 1961.
3. Christie, Agatha. The Mousetrap: A Play in Two Acts. French's Acting Edition No. 153. London: Samuel French, 70 p., 1954.
4. Christie, Agatha. Murder on the Nile: A Play. London: Samuel French, 66 p., 1948.
5. Christie, Agatha. The Patient: A Play in One Act. Rule of Three. London: Samuel French, 34 p., 1963.
6. Christie, Agatha. The Rats: A Play in One Act. Rule of Three. London: Samuel French, 26 p., 1963.
7. Chrisite, Agatha. Spider's Web: A Play. London: Samuel French, 92 p., 1956.
8. Christie, Agatha. Ten Little Indians: A Mystery Play in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 95 p., 1946.
9. Christie, Agatha. The Unexpected Guest: A Play. London: Samuel French, 74 p., 1986.
10. Clark, Ron and Sasm Bobrick. Murder at the Howard Johnson's: A Comedy in Two Acts. New York: Samuel French, 71 p., 1980.
11. Cohan, George M. The Tavern: A Play in Two Acts. Suggested by a play entitled The Choice of a Super-Man, by Cora Dick Gantt. New York: Samuel French, 96 p., 1947.
12. Coppel, Alec. The Gazebo. From a story by Myra and Alec Coppel. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 63 p., 1959.

Box 4
Folder -- Contents

1. Darbon, Leslie. Agatha Christie's A Murder is Announced. Adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon. London: Samuel French, 66 p., 1978.
2. Denham, Reginald and Conrad Sutton Smith. A Dash of Bitters: Play in Three Acts. Adapted from The Perfectionist, a story by Margaret St. Clair. Acting Edition. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 81 p., 1955.
3. Denham, Reginald. Recipe for a Crime: A Comedy-Mystery in Two Acts. Freely Adapted by Reginal Denham from the Spanish Play Receta Para un Crimen, by Alfonso Paso. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 83 p., 1962.
4. Doyle, Monte. Signpost to Murder: A Thriller in Three Acts. London: Samuel French, 71 p., 1963.
5. Dumont, Frank. The Cuban Spy: A Comedy-Drama in Four Acts. Philadelphia: The Penn Publishing Company, 58 p., 1898.
6. Dumont, Frank. The Girl From "L Triangle" Ranch: A Drama in Three Acts. Philadelphia: The Penn Publishing Company, 53 p., 1909.
7. Durbridge, Francis. [Deadly] Nightcap: A Play. London: Samuel French, 75 p., 1986.
8. Durbridge, Francis. The Gentle Hook: A Play. London: Samuel French, 76 p., 1975.
9. Durbridge, Francis. Murder With Love: A Thriller. London: Samuel French, 66 p., 1977.
10. Durbridge, Francis. The Small Hours: A Play. London: Samuel French, 68 p., 1991.
11. Durbridge, Francis. Suddenly at Home: A Play. London: Samuel French, 67 p., 1973.
12. Durbridge, Francis. Sweet Revenge: A Play. London: Samuel French, 87 p., 1993.

Box 5
Folder -- Contents

1. Durbridge, Francis. A Touch of Danger: A Play. London: Samuel French, 66 p., 1989.
2. Dyer, Charles. Wanted - One Body!. London: Warner Chappell Plays, 114 p., 1990.
3. Ebb, Fred and Bob Fosse. Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville. Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb. Based on the Play Chicago by Maurine Dallas Watkins. New York: Samuel French, 123 p., 1976. Includes Playbill for performance at Richard Rodgers Theatre, November 1996.
4. Elice, Eric and Roger Rees. Double Double: A Play. London: Samuel French, 52 p., 1986.
5. Fairchild, William. The Sound of Murder: A Play in Three Acts. London: Samuel French, 65 p., 1960.
6. Feely, Terence. Murder in Mind: A Play. London: Samuel French, 60 p., 1982.
7. Feiffer, Jules. The White House Murder Case: A Play in Two Acts & Dick and Jane: A One-Act Play. New York: Grove Press, 122 p., 1970.
8. Flannery, Peter. Blind Justice: Five Screenplays. Series Created by Helena Kennedy with Peter Flannery. London: Nick Hern Books, 257 p, 1990.
9. Fletcher, Lucille. Sorry, Wrong Number and The Hitch-Hiker: Plays in One Act by Lucille Fletcher. Acting Edition. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 39 p., 1980.
10. Gordon, Stuart and Carolyn Purdy-Gordon. The Little Sister. Raymond Chandler's prototype private-eye thriller adapted by Stuart Gordon and Carolyn Purdy-Gordon. Chicago: The Dramatic Publishing Company, 64 p., 1982.

Box 6
Folder -- Contents

1. Gray, Simon. Stage Struck: A Play by Simon Gray. New York: Samuel French, 38 p., 1981.
2. Green, Janet. Murder Mistaken: A Thriller. London: Samuel French, 112 p., 1953.
3. Green, Janet. Murder, My Sweet Matilda. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 93 p., 1961.
4. Greenwood, Duncan and Robert King. Murder by the Book: A Thriller. London: Samuel French, 53 p., 1982.
5. Hall, Nick. Dead Wrong: A Thriller in Two Acts. New York: Samuel French, 77 p., 1985.
6. Hall, Nick. Marriage is Murder: A Comedy by Nick Hall. New York: Samuel French, 81 p., 1992.
7. Hamilton, Cosmo. Who Are They?: A Play in Three Acts. Originally called The New Poor. French's Acting Edition No. 499. London: Samuel French, 67 p., 1929.
8. Harris, Richard. The Business of Murder. Oxford: Amber Lane Press, 72 p., 1985.
9. Hayes, Joseph. Calculated Risk: A Drama of Suspense in Three Acts. Based on a play by George Ross and Campbell Singer. New York: Samuel French, 114 p., 1963.
10. Hill, David. Lone Tree Mine: A Rocky Mountain Drama in Five Acts. Philadelphia: The Penn Publishing Company, 68 p., 1899.
11. Hischak, Thomas. Murder on Reserve: A Mystery Play in Two Acts. New York: Samuel French, 77 p., 1994.

Box 7
Folder -- Contents

1. Holmes, Rupert. Accomplice: A Comedy Thriller by Rupert Holmes. New York: Samuel French, 124 p., 1991.
2. Job, Thomas. Uncle Harry: A Play in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 141 p., 1942.
3. Kelly, Tim. "The Butler Did It": A Comedy in Three Acts (For 5F, 5M). Baker's Royalty Plays. Boston: William H. Baker Company, 67 p., 1977.
4. Kingsley, Sidney. Detective Story: Play in Three Acts by Sidney Kingsley. Acting Edition. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 96 p., 1979.
5. Knott, Frederick. Wait Until Dark. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 89 p., 1992.
6. Knott, Frederick. Write Me a Murder: A New Play by Frederick Knott. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 97 p., 1962.
7. Leslie, F. Andrew. The Sprial Staircase: Mystery Drama in Two Acts. Adapted for the Stage by F. Andrew Leslie. From the Screenplay by Mel Dinelli. New York: Play Service Dramatists, 42 p., 1962.
8. Levin, Ira. Veronica's Room: A Thriller in Two Acts. New York: Samuel French, 66 p., 1981.
9. Levinson, Richard and William Link. Guilty Conscience: A Play of Suspense in Two Acts. New York: Samuel French, 88 p., 1985.

Box 8
Folder -- Contents

1. Levy, Benn W. Mud & Treacle or The Course of True Love: A Comedy or Perhaps Rather, a Tragedy, a Murder Mystery and a Shameless Tract in Three Acts and a Post-Dated Prologue. London: Victor Gollancz, 128 p., 1928.
2. Link, William and Richard Levinson. Prescriotion: Murder: A Drama in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 75 p., 1963.
3. Ludlam, Charles. Stage Blood. New York: Samuel French, 72 p., 1979.
4. Ludwig, Ken. Postmortem. New York: Samuel French, 131 p., 1989.
5. Manzi, Warren. Perfect Crime: A Thriller in Two Acts. Revised. New York: Samuel French, 139 p., 1993.
6. Marks, Walter and Peter Marks. The Butler Did It: A Comedy Thriller. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 62 p., 1981.
7. McIntyre, Dennis. Split Second: A Play in Two Acts. New York: Samuel French, 84 p., 1984.
8. McLoughlin, Maurice. Brush With a Body: A Play. London: Samuel French, 76 p., 1963.
9. Mills, Hugh. The House By the Lake: A Thriller. London: Samuel French, 84 p., 1956.
10. Moon, Gerald. Corpse!: A Comedy Thriller. London: Samuel French, 49 p., 1985.

Box 9
Folder -- Contents

1. Osborne, Will and Anthony Herrera. Smoke & Mirrors: A Comedy/Murder Mystery. New York: Samuel French, 113 p., 1993.
2. Oursler, Fulton and Lowell Brentano. The Spider: A Mystery Melodrama in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 125 p., 1932.
3. Overmyer, Eric. In a Pig's Valise. Book and Lyrics by Eric Overmyer. Music by August Darnell. New York: Broadway Play Publishing, 87 p., 1989.
4. Palminteri, Chazz. Faithful: A Mystery-Drama. New York: Samuel French, 75 p., 1992.
5. Percy, Edward. Play With Fire: A Play in Three Acts by Edward Percy. London: English Theatre Guild, 101 p., 1942.
6. Percy, Edward. The Shop at Sly Corner. London: Warner Chappell Plays, 119 p., 1993.
7. Percy, Edward and Reginald Denham. Suspect: Play in Three Acts. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 71 p., 1940.
8. Percy, Edward and Reginald Denham. Trunk Crime: Play in an Epilogue and Three Acts. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 92 p., 1940.
9. Popplewell, Jack. Busybody: A Comedy in Three Acts by Jack Popplewell. London: Samuel French, 80 p., 1965.
10. Popplewell, Jack. Dead on Nine: A Play in Three Acts by Jack Popplewell. London: Samuel French, 75 p., 1956.
11. Post, Douglas. Earth and Sky: A Poetic Thriller for the Stage. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 71 p., 1991.

Box 10
Folder -- Contents

1. Rand, Ayn. Night of January 16th: A Comedy-Drama in Three Acts. The Player's Book. Edited by Nathaniel Edward Reeid. New York: David McKay Company, 99 p., 1964.
2. Randall, John. Reserve Two for Murder: A Play in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 119 p., 1967.
3. Reach, James. Bear Witness: A Suspense Drama in Two Acts. New York: Samuel French, 80 p., 1970.
4. Richards, Grant. Who Killed Aunt Caroline?: A Mystery Play in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 104 p., 1969.
5. Ridley, Arnold. The Ghost Train: A Drama in Three Acts by Arnold Ridley. London: Samuel French, 67 p., 1959.
6. Rose, Reginald. Twelve Angry Men. London: Methuen Drama, 74 p., 1996.
7. Sands, Leslie. Cat's Cradle. London: Chappell Plays, 101 p., 1987.
8. Sands, Leslie. Intent to Murder: A Thriller by Leslie Sands. London: The English Theatre Guild, 92 p., 1953.
9. Sands, Leslie. Something to Hide: A Thriller in Three Acts by Leslie Sands. London: English Theatre Guild, 77 p., 1959.
10. "Sapper", and Gerald Du Maurier. Bulldog Drummond: A Play in Four Acts. Adapted by "Sapper" and Gerald Du Maurier From the Novel by Sapper. New York: Samuel French, 83 p., 1925.
11. Shaffer, Anthony. Sleuth. Playscript 46. London: Marion Boyars, 93 p., 1981.

Box 11
Folder -- Contents

1. Shaffer, Anthony. Whodunnit: A Comedy Thriller by Anthony Shaffer. New York: Samuel French, 102 p., 1983.
2. Shaffer, Peter. The Public Eye: A Play in One Act. New York: Samuel French, 52 p., 1962.
3. Sherriff, R.C. Home At Seven: A Play in Three Acts. London: Samuel French, 76 p., 1950.
4. Slade, Bernard. An Act of the Imagination: A Mystery in Two Acts. New York: Samuel French, 93 p., 1988.
5. Slade, Bernard. Fatal Attraction: A Thriller in Two Acts. New York: Samuel French, 93 p., 1986.
6. Taylor, Edward. Murder By Misadventure. New York: Samuel French, 109 p., 1992.
7. Thain, Paul. Black Widow: A Play. London: Samuel French, 83 p., 1996.
8. Thomas, Robert. Trap For a Lonely Man: A Play in Three Acts. Translated by Lucienne Hill and John Sutro. London: English Theatre Guild, 70 p., 1964.
9. Thompson, J. Lee. Murder Without Crime: A Play in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 89 p., 1944.
10. Twedt, Jerry L. Muder on Center State: A Full Length Play. Chicago: The Dramatic Publishing Company, 71 p., 1976.
11. Veiller, Bayard. The Trial of Mary Dugan: A Melodrama of New York Life in Three Acts by Bayard Veiller. New York: Samuel French, 144 p., 1955.

Box 12
Folder -- Contents

1. Vosper, Frank. Love From a Stranger: A Play in Three Acts. Based on a Story by Agatha Christie. London: Samuel French, 84 p., 1937. Includes playbill from Shaw Festival, 2001.
2. Vosper, Frank. Murder on the Second Floor: A Mystery Play in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 81 p., 1930.
3. Vosper, Frank. People Like Us: A Play. London: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 123 p., 1929.
4. Warwick, James. Blind Alley: A Play in Three Acts. New York: Samuel French, 98 p., 1936.
5. Watkyn, Arthur. Amber for Anna: A Play in Three Acts. London: Samuel French, 80 p., 1965.
6. Wentworth, Scott. Gunmetal Blues: A Musical Mystery. Book by Scott Wentworth. Music and Lyrics by Craig Bobmler and Marion Adler. New York: Samuel French, 70 p., 1993.
7. Wilde, Hagar and Dale Eunson. Guest in the House: From a Story by Katherin Albert. New York: Samuel French, 158 p., 1942.
8. Yaffe, James. Cliffhanger: A Thriller in Two Acts by James Yaffe. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 64 p., 1985.
9. Yaffe, James. The Deadly Game: A Play in Two Acts. Adapted from the novel Trapps by Frederich Duerrenmatt. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 72 p., 1966.