Harlequins Production of Journey’s End

On February 27, 1939, the Harlequins performed the play Journey’s End. The play, written by R.C. Sherriff, took an honest look at the horrors of war. It was first performed in London, England in 1928, starring Laurence Olivier as Captain Stanhope, an officer in a British infantry unit during World War I. The play was an instant stage success, and went on to have several revivals on the stage and as a motion picture. 

In the Sandusky production of Journey’s End, Earle Seidner played the role of Captain Stanhope. On the cast picture, some of the performers autographed the bottom of the photograph, while the character they played is listed along the top of the picture. November 11, 2018 marks the one hundredth anniversary of the armistice that ended fighting on land, sea and air in World War I between the Allies and the Germans. Sandusky residents in 1939 must have reflected upon the events that took place during the Great War as they watched the play. 

To learn more about Sandusky’s participation during World War I, in the war as well as the home front, visit the Sandusky Library to see the reference book Honor Roll of Ohio, 1917-1918, Erie County Edition. This volume provides photographs, history, and biographical information about the many local residents who were involved in the war effort.