Lucille Fletcher was a prolific American writer whose work spanned radio, film, and television. Among her most celebrated creations is 'Sorry, Wrong Number,' a suspenseful tale that has left a lasting impact on American radio and film. This article delves into Fletcher's career and the creation of her iconic work, 'Sorry, Wrong Number.'
Early Life and Career
Violet Lucille Fletcher was born on March 28, 1912, in Brooklyn, New York. She showed early promise as a writer,
winning accolades for her oratory skills and writing during her school years. Fletcher attended Vassar College, where she graduated with honors in 1933. Her career in writing began at CBS, where she worked as a music librarian and publicity writer.
It was at CBS that Fletcher met her first husband, composer Bernard Herrmann. Their collaboration would later extend to Fletcher's writing, with Herrmann composing music for some of her radio plays. Fletcher's first major success came with the radio adaptation of her story 'My Client Curley,' which was later turned into a film starring Cary Grant.
The Creation of 'Sorry, Wrong Number'
'Sorry, Wrong Number' premiered on May 25, 1943, as part of the Suspense radio series. The play was essentially a one-woman show, with Agnes Moorehead delivering a powerful performance as Mrs. Stevenson, an invalid who overhears a murder plot on the telephone. The play's tension and suspense captivated audiences, leading to multiple broadcasts over the years.
Fletcher's inspiration for 'Sorry, Wrong Number' reportedly came from a personal experience. Her daughter recounted that Fletcher conceived the idea after an encounter with a rude woman at a grocery store, which Fletcher turned into a dramatic act of revenge through her writing. The play's success was further cemented by Orson Welles, who called it "the greatest single radio script ever written."
Legacy and Impact
The success of 'Sorry, Wrong Number' extended beyond radio, as Fletcher adapted it into a screenplay for the 1948 film noir classic. The film starred Barbara Stanwyck and Burt Lancaster, with Stanwyck's performance earning her an Academy Award nomination. The film's adaptation expanded the original radio play, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Fletcher's work on 'Sorry, Wrong Number' remains a significant contribution to American radio and film. The play's inclusion in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2014 highlights its cultural and historical significance. Fletcher's ability to craft suspenseful narratives has left an indelible mark on the genre, ensuring her legacy as a master storyteller.
