Tuesday, April 26, 2011

ROCKET TO THE MOON


My Stepfather, William Challee, was an original member of the Group Theater in New York in the 1930's. Members included Lee Strasburg, Lee J. Cobb, Harold Clurman and playwright Clifford Odets. Below is a telegram that was delivered backstage at The Belasco Theater on Broadway to my Stepfather on opening night of Rocket To The Moon. From the playwright Clifford Odets.





Opening Night Production Credits

Produced by The Group Theatre

Written by Clifford Odets

Directed by Harold Clurman


Opening Night Cast

Luther Adler

Morris Carnovsky

William Challee

Leif Erickson

Eleanor Lynn

Sanford Meisner

Ruth Nelson

Art Smith






The last film he did in his long and glorious career was Five Easy Pieces starring Jack Nicholson.





He played Jack's Father. Photo below.


2 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

You know a lot of famous people there - in fact you're related to them - your father did something too I remember and now your step-dad was an actor too.

How cool is that to have in your background?

I remember that movie, but to really remember it - I'd have to see it again.

It's been a long time since you wrote a blog - I thought you had stopped blogging. Glad you didn't.

David said...

Thank you for following my posts. Good to hear from you!