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STEPHEN LONGSTREET: HIGH BUTTON SHOES

Stephen's first and most succesful broadway play script was "High Button Shoes". After his success with the novels, he tried his hand at a family historical book of sorts entitled "The Sisters Liked Them Handsome". This became the content for "High Button Shoes".

"High Button Shoes" opened on Oct. 9, 1947. It was reported to be the most succesful musical produced that season. "Nanette Fabray" and comedian "Phil Silvers" starred. There was a Mack Sennett bathing beauty ballet.

It played for 727 performances. The show went on the road. Eddie Foy Jr., replaced Phil Silvers.

The lore: Stephen Longstreet penned the original script. The first tryouts went poorly and the grandfather character in the book was thrown out. Stephen, upset with the removal of his favorite character, left and supposedly Sammy Cahn and Phil Silvers rewrote much of the dialogue. It has been reported that Stephen Longstreet began releasing press announcements as to the actors that were in the process of being signed for the movie version of the Phil Silvers role on broadway. Phil reportedly threatened to play the role exactly as Stephen Longstreet originally wrote it and the press releases ceased.

 

Copyright 2002. All rights reserved.