Wings of the Dove

In the beginning Milly is a joyous American girl who is loving every moment of her visit to London, particularly because of the attention of her new English friends. She's scarcely aware of her serious but unfelt illness and she takes her great wealth entirely for granted. Both of these matters, however, are of great concern to Richard, a handsome young writer, and Kate who loves him but won't marry him because he's poor. Milly, unaware of their relationship, falls deeply in love with Richard and they see in her the solution to their difficulties. Since Milly only has a limited time left, why shouldn't Richard marry her and then later on, as the wealthy widower, marry Kate? The scheme is never stated so bluntly but clearly this is the intention. As Richard persues Milly a miracle begins to happen—for the intense happiness he brings to her begins to effect a cure. The scheme is further upset when Richard finds that he has really fallen in love with Milly. "The dove is wounded," a critic suggests, "but her wings are strong"—and the scene that follows between her and Richard is one of the most moving and beautiful moments in theatrical literature. This play contains significant acting roles for your cast and presents an enthralling dramatic story. As the dean of English drama critics summed up—"London has thrived recently on dramatized novels—Tolstoy, Forster, and Joyce. But this by James, makes the subtlest drama of them all."