Krasna and Marx were good friends and Krasna says writing it took 10–15 years.[2]
The original Broadway production was directed by Krasna, and starred Otto Kruger. Opening at the Fulton Theatre, it only ran for eight performances, from September 27 to October 2, 1948.[3] The reviews were universally bad, with Brooks AtkinsonatThe New York Times writing that "Mr. Marx has everyone's permission to throw down the pen and put back the moustachio any time he pleases."[4] However, film rights were sold to Warner Bros for $500,000.[5][6]
The play toured as a summer stock production in the summers of 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1963, with co-author Groucho Marx playing the lead. Thanks to Marx's presence and an increasing number of Groucho-style jokes added to the script over time, the tours were well received.[4]
Time for Elizabeth was adapted for TV in 1964, with Marx playing the lead.[7]
^BROOKS ATKINSON (Sep 28, 1948). "AT THE THEATRE: OTTO KRUGER APPEARS IN A NEW COMEDY BY NORMAN KRASNA AND GROUCHO MARX". New York Times. p. 32.
^*McGilligan, Patrick, "Norman Krasna: The Woolworth's Touch", Backstory: Interviews with Screenwriters of Hollywood's Golden Age, University of California Press,1986 p218
^ abConiam, Matthew (2016). "Chapter 5: A comparatively easy racket". That's Me, Groucho! The Solo Career of Groucho Marx. McFarland & Company. ISBN978-1476663739.
^Hopper, Hedda (Oct 6, 1955). "Looking at Hollywood: Comedian Marx Sells Self, Play for $500,000! What Fun!". Chicago Daily Tribune.
