They Knew What They Wanted by Sidney Howard

They Knew What They Wanted Reviews

• 
  Lauren

  When reading classics (or any piece of literature not published in recent years), I try to keep in mind the era in which it was written and not judge by modern standards. Every once in a while, though, I encounter a piece so dated in its mores and attitudes that I can’t divorce my modern views in analyzing the work’s literary merit.
  
  They Knew What They Wanted is one such piece. For one, I’ve no idea why it qualifies as a comedy as it’s, at best, a melodrama. That aside, the ethnic stereotypes that border on racism, the sexism, and the idea that, as an audience member, I should be cheering for an old man to marry a woman nearly young enough to be his granddaughter who is marrying him out of economic necessity: I couldn’t enjoy the play. It’s an anachronism, but I’m also not convinced it’s a good play. There’s too much talking, for one. The pacing is wonky, and there’s little interest in any of the characters beyond broad stereotypes. Sometimes I read older plays and think ‘well, if they changed some of the words, cut a few lines, there’s a decent story here.’ That’s not the case with They Knew What They Wanted. Not recommended.
• 
  Anna Muthalaly

  Well this is a melodrama and so, the plot trots along quite nicely. Bonus points for actually making some kind of mark on the world, unlike many of the Pulitzer winners in the 20s— this show has been revived multiple times, and was the basis of the successful musical the most happy fella.
  
  I mean, still fairly pointless, but at least it wasn’t a drag!
  
  This was the 9th play I read in my quest to read everything that has been awarded the Pulitzer for drama.
• 
  Jenna

  I enjoy the musical adaptation of Howard's play (The Most Happy Fella by Loesser) more, but it was fun to read the play too.
• 
  Zoë

  2.5 stars.
• 
  Katy Lovejoy

  I don't like plays format as a whole, and this story was just plain confusing...
• 
  Brian

  Found this in a book of “1920s” plays at a free library. Weird little time machine but honestly kind of a dumb story. Why did it win a Pulitzer???
• 
  Steve

  Three acts but it's a simple play about love and the sacrifices made. The realization during the end of Act I is a terrific moment and you really feel for Tony, Amy and Joe.
• 
  Mel

  This was the first play Beatrix played an American in. It was the last of the three times she understudied for Tallhulah Bankhead. I have to say I didn't care for this play at all. It was more hick farmers, although they had money, and was a very similar story to the later Eugene O'Neil play when the young girl falls for the handsome younger man instead of the older farmer she was supposed to be marrying. The characters just felt so unlikable, the dialogue wasn't that inspiring and full of dialect, I just couldn't find anything to recommend it. I know they made a film out of this but having found the play so dull it's not one I am going to try and watch.
  
• 
  Bobby Sullivan

  I can't say I enjoyed this play. Too many stereotypes, too much predictability in the plot. I think if I'd spent money to see this play performed, I'd want my money back, based on the weakness of the story.