Katherine Anne Porter
Writing
Biography
Katherine Anne Porter (1890–1980) was an American journalist, essayist, short story writer, novelist, and political activist. Her only novel, Ship of Fools (1962), based on her reminiscences of a 1931 ocean cruise she had taken from Mexico to Germany, was the best-selling novel in America of the year, though her short stories received even more critical acclaim; in 1966 she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the U.S. National Book Award for The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter. That year she was also appointed to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. During the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, Porter enjoyed a prominent reputation as one of America's most distinguished writers, but her limited output and equally-limited sales had her living on grants and advances for most of the era.
Known For
An anthology series of television plays which aired on BBC1 from October 1964 to May 1970. The plays were usually written for television, although adaptations from other sources also featured.
The Wednesday Play
Ms. Isabel Archer isn't afraid to challenge societal norms. Impressed by her free spirit, her kindhearted cousin writes her into his fatally ill father's will. Suddenly rich and independent, Isabelle ventures into the world, along the way befriending a cynical intellectual and romancing an art enthusiast. However, the advantage of her affluence is called into question when she realizes the extent to which her money colors her relationships.
The Portrait of a Lady
Passengers on a ship traveling from Mexico to Europe in the 1930s represent society at large in that era. The crew is German, including the ship's Dr. Schumann, who falls in love with one of the passengers, La Condesa. A young American woman, Jenny, is traveling with the man she loves, David. Jenny is fascinated and puzzled by just who some of the other passengers are.
Ship of Fools
The drama, adapted from a story by Katherine Anne Porter, tells of a Swedish immigrant who arrives on a small Texas farm at the turn of the century for work, is hired, and subsequently, and inadvertently, causes the downfall of his employer when a suspicious visitor comes to call.
Noon Wine
A dark tragedy about a farmer's futile act of homicide that takes place on a small dairy farm in southern Texas during the 1890s. Sam Peckinpah directed this original adaptation of the Katherine Anne Porter novel for ABC, and the project became an hour-long presentation for ABC Stage 67, premiering on Nov. 23, 1966.
Noon Wine
Granny Weatherall (Geraldine Fitzgerald) is a spunky old lady of eighty who bosses around her doctor and her children. She seems so strong and in control, and yet she has never had the upper hand in her destiny. One morning, a flood of long-forgotten memories bring her to the realization that of all her accomplishments, she cannot console herself for the shame-filled day she was left standing at the alter. Still, her indomitable will to live and act independently infuses the last day of her life. Adapted from the short story by acclaimed writer Katherine Anne Porter ("Ship of Fools"), The Jilting of Granny Weatherall reminds us of the plight of many women who wait for life to claim them, rather than seek life out for themselves.
The Jilting of Granny Weatherall
The plot centers around Miranda, a young girl who lost her mother at a very young age. She is troubled and withdrawn, pretend plays alone for hours and is obsessed with death. She creates elaborate little cemeteries using figs and sticks, burying dead insects or animals she comes across. Her family members relate stories and tales and slowly bring her out of her shell and help her cope better with life and death and all in between. A moving family piece that can help children deal with grief, life and death.
The Fig Tree
Inspired by Katherine Anne Porter’s short story “The Rope," this slice of life film portrays the struggle of a writer in dealing with his darkest fears after his wife's tolerance finally breaks, showing him their life’s stark reality.