Checkers is a play by Henry Blossom. Adapted by Blossom from his 1896 novel , the play was performed on Broadway in 1903 and again in 1904. It was adapted into a film twice.
Checkers was originally conceived as a project to feature the talents of William Collier Sr.; an actor who had convinced the novelist to turn the work into a play for him.[1] However, once completed, Collier backed out of the project and the part of "Checkers" went to a then relatively unknown Thomas W. Ross.[2] Ross had tremendous success in the role, and it launched his career.[1] [3] [2]
Checkers premiered at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., on September 21, 1903.[4] It transferred to Broadway's American Theatre where it opened on September 28, 1903.[5] It closed in after 48 performance in November 1903 to go on tour, but returned in New York City for performances at the Academy of Music in 1904.[6]
Eustace Hale Ball and Lawrence McGill wrote the screenplay.[7]