THE LARK CBS-TV 2/10/1957 1:28
Julie Harris, Boris Karloff, Eli Wallach, Basil Rathbone, Jack Warden, Dennon Elliot, Bruce Gordon, Michael Higgins, Bruce Gordon. “The play covers the trial, condemnation, and execution of Joan of Arc, but has a highly unusual ending. Joan remembers important events in her life as she is being questioned, and is subsequently condemned to death. However, Cauchon realizes, just as Joan is burning at the stake, that in her judges' hurry to condemn her, they have not allowed her to re-live the coronation of Charles VII of France. The fire is therefore extinguished, and Joan is given a reprieve. The actual end of the story is left in question, but Cauchon proclaims it a victory for Joan”. The Broadway production of "The Lark" adapted by Lillian Hellmann, based on the play by Jean Anouilh opened at the Longacre Theater in New York on November 17, 1955 and ran for 229 performances. Julie Harris, Boris Karloff, Bruce Gordon, Michael Higgins, and Ralph Roberts all recreated their stage roles in this TV version. Boris Karloff was nominated for the 1956 Tony Award for Actor in a Drama for "The Lark" for the role of Cauchon. Leonard Bernstein wrote the incidental music for the play. In black and white. 90 minutes, complete with original commercials.