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Frankie and Johnny
Paperback
ISBN13: 9781025425580
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 180
Weight: 0.57
Height: 0.38 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
Frankie and Johnny is a compelling dramatic adaptation of one of America's most enduring folk ballads. Written by John Huston, this work brings the gritty, soulful world of the classic song to life on the stage, transforming a popular musical narrative into a poignant theatrical experience. The story follows the tragic trajectory of Frankie, a woman whose fierce devotion to her lover, Johnny, is met with the ultimate betrayal. When Frankie discovers Johnny's infidelity with the seductive Alice Bly, the narrative descends into a powerful exploration of passion, jealousy, and the inevitable consequences of heartbreak.
Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century Americana, the play captures the rhythmic cadence and emotional depth of the original blues and folk traditions. Huston's treatment of the material elevates the simple ballad into a profound character study, highlighting the desperation and humanity of its protagonists. As a significant piece of literary and theatrical history, Frankie and Johnny remains a stark and moving portrayal of a crime of passion that has resonated through American culture for generations. This work is an essential read for those interested in the intersection of American folklore, music history, and classic dramatic literature.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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