Overview
Synopsis
Drifter Frank Chambers stumbles his way into the Twin Oaks Tavern, a roadside diner owned by friendly Greek immigrant Nick Papadakis. Nick hires Frank to help out at the garage and filling station--but Frank’s attentions are consumed by Cora, Nick’s young and beautiful wife. Frank and Cora begin a passionate, sometimes violent affair, and decide that to be together, they must get rid of Nick. Their first murder attempt fails, but fate pulls them into a second deadly chance that tests their love and commitment. Based on James M. Cain’s novel that inspired the crime noir genre, Jon Jory’s retelling of The Postman Always Rings Twice is a blend of passion, murder, and deception that will keep audiences hooked until the final crash.
Show Information
Context
James M. Cain’s novel The Postman Always Rings Twice has a long history of adaptations. In 1936, a production ran for 72 performances at the Lyceum Theatre, written by Cain and then staged by director Robert Sinclair. Cautiously, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer bought the film rights; because of the themes of adultery and murder within the story producers were hesitant to invest. However, the success of Cain’s novella Double Indemnity established an audience and appetite for such a story. These two
to read the context for The Postman Always Rings Twice and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
Frank Chambers brushes hay from his clothes. A truck driver approaches him, angry that not only has Frank hitched a ride on his truck, but that he also kicked three hay bales from the bed--money that comes from the driver’s pocket. The driver punches and kicks Frank, leaving him battered by the side of the road. Frank hikes down the road until he reaches Twin Oaks Tavern, a roadside diner and filling station owned by Nick Papadakis, a friendly Greek immigrant with a lovely young
to read the plot for The Postman Always Rings Twice and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
Showing 8 of 17 characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Postman Always Rings Twice.
Want to be featured on this page? Update your credits.
Monologues
Scenes
Videos
Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress