The play was produced by the author and Howard Erskine, staged by Robert Montgomery, and starred Karl Malden and Nancy Coleman as the parents, with Paul Newman as the convict leader.
While Jesse co-ordinates the search with Lt. Carl Fredericks of the state police and FBI special agent Harry Carson, the Hillard family is just starting their day at home.
The next morning Glenn makes a decision: he'll let Cindy and Dan go to work as usual, while holding Eleanor and the outspoken Ralphie at home as hostages.
The Hillard family's battle of wits with the convicts seesaws back and forth, while unexpected visitors and phone calls threaten to upset the delicate equilibrium between captors and hostages.
[11] Rehearsals started on December 13, 1954, with the principals Nancy Coleman, Karl Malden, Paul Newman, James Gregory, and George Mathews present.
[12] The Ethel Barrymore Theatre was booked and Patricia Peardon, Malcolm Broderick, and Fred Eisley hired by December 24,[13] while George Grizzard, Kendall Clark, Judson Pratt, and Rusty Lane were signed the next day.
[26] Henry T. Murdock from The Philadelphia Inquirer said: "It is tremendously effective theater, marked by complete cooperation among its elements--- writer, director, actors and set designer.
"[2] The demanding critic Walter F. Kerr praised the "slambang" action and tense pacing: "The Desperate Hours is straight popcorn, but it makes a lovely racket.
[1] Charles K. Freeman, noting that both Howard Erskine and Joseph Hayes were neophyte producers, felt that the hiring of Robert Montgomery as director was a "masterstroke", and the largest factor responsible for the show's success.
[29] During late July 1955, Karl Malden notified producers Erskine and Hayes that he would have to quit within four weeks due to personal problems and a Warner Brothers commitment.
[30] According to the producers, they were unable to find a replacement of equal standing, the off-season summer heat meant the box-office take was at a low point, so they decided to close the show.
[32] The producers sold the play, along with the original sets, to Jack Present and Harry Zevin for production on the West Coast starting in late August 1955.
[32] Five original Broadway cast members, Nancy Coleman, George Grizzard, Judson Pratt, Malcolm Brodrick, and Rusty Lane, along with replacement Gene Blakely, went with the road company.