The Barretts of Wimpole Street

A play by Rudolf Besier, arranged in two parts and twenty-three scenes by Katharine Cornell. Opened at the Empire Theatre, New York City, February 9, 1931. Following the 370 performance run, Katherine Cornell took the show on a seven-month U.S. tour. Produced by Katherine Cornell, staged by Guthrie McClintic. Basil Rathbone was not part of the Broadway production, but joined the cast for the tour, which began in October, 1933. Below is the cast for the tour.

Cast of characters

The play takes place in the Barrett home on Wimpole Street, London. It is the story of the epic love of Elizabeth and Robert Browning. Elizabeth is the oldest of eight children, all living in the home of their father, a thin-lipped Puritan. He is a man who is soured on life and who rules his family with domineering and tyrannical harshness. Because of marital difficulties and because he had suffered from love, the elder Barrett attempts to discourage any love-affairs into which his children might enter. Elizabeth has never seen Robert Browning, but has fallen in love with his poetry and correspondence. Robert calls on Elizabeth and warmly returns her affection in most delicately poetic love scenes. Under Robert's love Elizabeth blossoms and from invalidism is restored to health. In the face of her father's anger, Elizabeth elopes, leaving for Italy with her poet.