Based on the following Broadway production: Mr. Sycamore (1942). Comedy. Written by Ketti Frings, based on a story by Robert Ayre. Scenic Design by Samuel Leve. Costume Design by Emeline Roche. Directed by Lester Vail. Guild Theatre: 13 Nov 1942- 28 Nov 1942 (19 performances). Cast: Stuart Erwin (as "John Gwilt") [Broadway debut], Lillian Gish (as "Jane Gwilt"), Enid Markey (as "Estelle Benlow"), Walter F. Appler, Harry Bellaver (as "Mr. Fink"), Albert Bergh (as "Mr. Oikle"), Helen Brown, Russell Collins (as "Reverand Doctor Doody"), Barbara Dale, Helen Dodson, Jed Dooley, Franklyn Fox (as "Fletcher Pingpank"), Kenneth Hayden, Mary Heckart, Pearl Herzog (as "Daisy Staines"), Otto Hulett, Ray J. Largay, Louise McBride, Peggy Opdycke, John Philliber (as "Abner Coote"), Rupert Pole (as "Third Milkman/People of Smeed"), Leona Powers, Harry Sheppard, Buddy Swan (as "Albert Fernfield"), Ernest Theiss, Harry Townes, Albert Vees. Produced by The Theatre Guild (Theresa Helburn, Lawrence Langner: Administrative Directors). Note: this was one of the biggest flops of the 1942 season.
Jason Robards and Sandy Dennis had co-starred in the original 1962 Broadway production of "A Thousand Clowns." Four of the six players in the show went on to appear in the 1965 film version. Ironically, Sandy Dennis, who won the only Tony for the play, did not appear in the film (Barbara Harris got the part). But Martin Balsam, who had not been in the play, won an Oscar for the role that A. Larry Haines played on Broadway.