Doll's House, A - Julie Harris, Christopher Plummer, Hume Cronyn, Eileen Heckart, Jason Robards, George Schaefer, Richard Thomas (John Boy Walton) - 1959 (live tv)

Price USD 26.31 CAD 27.99 Seller Learmedia Rare and Classic Videos A superb television production of Ibsen's classic play. An independent woman struggles for the freedom she needs in order to lead a life of meaning and fulfillment. Hosted by Richard Thomas Interviews with Julie Harris, Christopher Plummer, Jason Robards, Jr., Eileen Heckart and George Schaeffer Directed by George Schaefer Writing credits (in alphabetical order) James Costigan adaptation Henrik Ibsen play Cast (in credits order) Julie Harris .... Nora Helmer Christopher Plummer .... Torvald Helmer rest of cast listed alphabetically Hume Cronyn .... Nils Krogstad Eileen Heckart .... Kristine Lind Jason Robards (as Jason Robards, Jr.) Watch for a very young Richard Thomas (John Boy Walton) playing one of the Helmer kids. Although A Doll's House was written in 1879, the problems concerning women's (lack of) rights in particular and oppression in relationships in general are as prevalent today. The Objective Story Goal and Concern of Understanding, as illustrated in the Act 4 Objective Throughline, is a good example of how these issues can or cannot be resolved. The Problem of "Aware" with its Solution of "Self-Aware" for the Objective, Subjective, and Main Character Throughlines are also well defined. For analysis purposes, Act 1 was treated as Act 1 and 2. Key quotations from the play support the Story Points illustrations. Character descriptions are lightweight, and have several assigned characteristics. Brief Synopsis: A Doll's House, is often referred to as 'a problem play,' but Ibsen was more inclined to ask questions than to answer them. Here he depicts the typical middle-class marriage of his day, and shows complete mastery of the social drama. The fundamental problem in A Doll's House is the conflict between warm, vibrant, childish Nora and her possessive, unbending Helmer. A devoted wife and mother, who romps with her children, Nora is ready to dance a tarantella to charm her difficult husband. Trapped by her own sacrifices to love, Nora is forced to assert her own dignity and worth as an individual. (Flaxman, 1959, p. 9) THE OVERALL CHARACTERS: Name: Nora ID: Main Character Gender: Female Description: "Warm, vibrant, childish...a devoted wife and mother who romps with her children..." (Flaxman, 1959, p.9) Role: Wife Characteristics: Motivation: Avoidance Evaluation: Test Name: Torvald Helmer ID: Impact Character Gender: Male Description: Self-righteous, concerned with his status in the home and in the community Role: Husband Characteristics: Motivation: Control Name: Dr. Rank Gender: Male Description: Bachelor and close family friend, in love with Nora, dying a painful death Role: Helmer's best friend Characteristics: Evaluation: Trust Name: Mrs. Linde Gender: Female Description: Girlhood friend of Nora's; world weary; fulfilled by taking care of others Role: Nora's childhood friend Characteristics: Motivation: Conscience; Support Purpose: Order Name: Nils Krogstad Gender: Male Role: Lawyer/Loan Shark Characteristics: Motivation: Pursuit Purpose: Chaos AUDIENCE AND STORY DYNAMICS STORY POINTS: Nature as it relates to Apparent Dilemma: Nora realizes the problem lies not within herself, and she needs to change her environment by leaving her husband's home. Essence as it relates to Positive Feel: When faced with difficulties, the Objective Characters put their efforts into finding a solution: Krogstad wishes to rehabilitate himself, "'for the last year and a half I have not had a hand in anything dishonorable...I want to get on, I tell you'" (Ibsen, 1879, p. 168). Mrs. Linde wants to give her empty life purpose, "'I want to be a mother to someone, and your children need a mother. We two need each other. Nils, I have faith in your real character-I can dare anything with you'" (Ibsen, 1879, p. 178). When Torvald won't give Nora the money she needs to take him south for his recovery, she devises "'a way out of the difficulty'" (Ibsen, 1879, p. 128). Tendency as it relates to Willing: Nora willingly engages in activities to maintain the status quo of her marriage. For Torvald's benefit, she acts merry, speaks in baby doll talk, uses pretty mannerisms, and above all, keeps any distasteful matter (household finances, raising children) from him. Reach as it relates to Female: Women will empathize with Nora, a woman whose options are limited in a man's world. Main Character Resolve as it relates to Change: Once it is clear that Torvald puts himself and his reputation before his wife, Nora realizes she is no longer in love with him, gives her wedding ring back, and prepares to leave him. Impact Character Resolve as it relates to Steadfast: Main Character Growth as it relates to Start: Nora must stand on her own and start a new life. Main Character Approach as it relates to Be-er: As a child in her father's home, and as a wife in her husband's home, Nora does everything in her power to adapt herself to her environment-even to the detriment of her self-esteem and peace of mind: "It's perfectly true, Torvald. When I was at home with Papa he told me his opinion about everything, and so I had the same opinions; and if I differed from him I concealed the fact, because he would not have liked it. He called me his doll child, and he played with me just as I used to play with my dolls. And when I came to live with you...I was simply transferred from Papa's hands to yours. You arranged everything according to your taste, and so I got the same tastes as you-or else I pretended to." (Ibsen, 1879, p. 195) Main Character Problem-Solving Style as it relates to Intuitive: Nora effectively assesses what she needs to do to maintain the balance in her marriage. Story Driver as it relates to Decision: Mrs. Linde decides to visit Nora; Nora decides to forge her father's signature to obtain a bond; Krogstad decides to threaten Nora with exposure if she doesn't help him keep his position; Nora decides to leave her husband; and so forth. Story Limit as it relates to Optionlock: Nora and Torvald's marriage will strengthen if only "the wonderful thing happens"-it doesn't. Story Outcome as it relates to Failure: Nora's decision to leave Torvald ends their marriage. Story Judgment as it relates to Good: By leaving Torvald, Nora will have the opportunity to explore who she really is and learn to stand on her own. THE OVERALL STORY THROUGHLINE: Overall Story Name: "Keeping House, Keeping Secrets" Throughline Synopsis: It is Nora's wish to maintain her happy household; its only shadow being the payment of her debt to Krogstad. When Krogstad, driven by the fear of losing his position (and therefore, any chance at respectability) at the bank, ups the ante and threatens to blackmail Nora with exposure of the bond she forged, she frantically tries to satisfy his demand that she use her influence with her husband (the new bank manager) to keep his job. As Nora is unable to comply, Krogstad exposes her past actions to Torvald, who turns on Nora. Nora, expecting her husband to stand by her, is hurt and angered by his reaction. Once Krogstad, redeemed by the love of Mrs. Linde, returns the bond to Torvald, he forgives Nora and prepares to resume their marriage. In Nora's eyes, the marriage is irretrievably damaged, and she leaves. Backstory: Throughline as it relates to Activity: Nora endeavors to maintain a happy marriage; Mrs. Linde comes to town looking for work (and Krogstad); Krogstad attempts to save his job and rehabilitate his nature; Torvald prepares to take on the position of bank manager; Dr. Rank readies himself for death. Concern as it relates to Understanding: Nora makes certain that Mrs. Linde understands she is not a superficial creature, but a strong woman who used her intelligence and wit to save her husband's life; Krogstad is concerned that Mrs. Linde understand the desperate lengths he had to go to in the past; Dr. Rank informs Nora when he sends one of his cards with a black cross upon it, she is to understand the process of death has begun for him; Torvald cannot understand what he considers is Nora's betrayal; and so forth. Issue as it relates to Senses : What Mrs. Linde sees in the Helmer household she interprets as concealment and falsehood; Krogstad senses Nora's desperation and determines she may be contemplating suicide; Torvald fails in fully employing his senses to correctly interpret his wife's actions and emotions; Dr. Rank's impending death heightens his senses: "'Why shouldn't one enjoy everything in this world?-at any rate as much as one man and as long as one can. The wine was capital-'" (Ibsen, 1879, p. 185) Counterpoint as it relates to Interpretation : Thematic Conflict as it relates to Senses vs. Interpretation: Problem as it relates to Aware: Thinking of others to the exclusion of oneself is the source of problems in the Objective Story, although Torvald claims "'No man will sacrifice his honor for the one he loves'" (Ibsen, 1879, p. 199), Nora points out that "'It is the thing hundreds of thousands of women have done'" (Ibsen, 1879, p. 200); Mrs. Linde's sensitivity to her loved ones without regard to her own needs has left her alone, a childless widow of a loveless marriage-arranged only to provide for her bedridden mother and two younger brothers. As a physician, Dr. Rank is conscious of other people's disorder's without considering his own illness. Solution as it relates to Self Aware: Mrs. Linde becomes self-appreciating and allows herself happiness by planning to marry her first love, Krogstad. Once he is certain his own end is near, Dr. Rank takes the time to appreciate his own existence; and so forth. Symptom as it relates to Perception: Mrs. Linde perceives Nora to be superficial; Torvald perceives Nora as his "doll"; Nora chooses to see her husband as a man who loves her absolutely and will protect her at all costs; it is Nora's perception that once she pays her debt and obtains her bond back, her problems will be resolved; and so forth. Response as it relates to Actuality: After spending time in the Helmer household, Mrs. Linde is able to determine the true state of affairs; Dr. Rank tells Nora the true state of his heart-he is in love with her; Mrs. Linde accepts Krogstad for who he actually is; and so forth. Catalyst as it relates to Conditioning: Mrs. Linde's observation of how the Helmers are accustomed to interacting, leads her to change her mind about enabling Nora in her deception, and making sure Torvald will discover the truth. Torvald discovers the truth when he conforms to his habit of reading his daily mail, even after a late night at the fancy-dress ball. Inhibitor as it relates to State of Being: Because Nora is slow to realize her true self, an honest understanding between her and Torvald is long in coming; Dr. Rank's revelation of his true self to Nora, and his feelings about her, stops her from asking him for a favor, a favor that may have put an end to her dilemma. Benchmark as it relates to Doing: Mrs. Linde makes progress towards fulfilling an empty life as she relocates to the Helmer's town, enlists Nora's help in finding a job, and revives her relationship with her former love, Krogstad; Krogstad is not satisfied with the slow progress he is making in rehabilitating himself, avoiding dishonorable acts and working his way up in the bank are not enough; the more Nora is able to do to pay off her debt, the more progress she feels she is making toward becoming carefree; and so forth. Goal as it relates to Understanding: The goal of common concern is Torvald and Nora maintaining a happy marriage, with a complete and honest understanding between them. Consequence as it relates to Developing a Plan: As Torvald fails to understand Nora, he must visualize a life without her; Nora must visualize a life without her husband and children. Cost as it relates to The Past: In order to achieve the goal of understanding between Nora and Torvald, the past must be exposed, which effectively destroys the marriage. Dividend as it relates to Memories: Mrs. Linde and Nora reminisce about their days as schoolgirls; Nora has fond memories of her Nurse raising her; Dr. Rank has happy memories of his time spent in the Helmer household; Mrs. Linde's memory of the love she and Krogstad shared brings her to town; and so forth. Requirements as it relates to Doing: Krogstad must write a letter to Torvald exposing Nora's actions; Mrs. Linde must stop Krogstad from retrieving his letter before Torvald reads it; Nora must let go of her fear of Torvald discovering her dealings with Krogstad; Torvald, upon discovering the truth, must stand up for his wife. Prerequisites as it relates to Playing a Role: Torvald has to fulfill the role of bank manager; Mrs. Linde must be a good friend to Nora; Nora plays the role of a doll to Torvald's role of benevolent master; and so forth. Preconditions as it relates to How Things are Changing: The way things are going, Krogstad's position at the bank is in jeopardy with Torvald assuming the job as bank manager; for Krogstad, Nora repaying the loan is no longer sufficient-she must help him save his position at the bank. Forewarnings as it relates to Impulsive Responses: Torvald's immediate response to Nora's entreaties on Krogstad's behalf is negative; Nora instinctively hides the forbidden macaroons from Torvald; when Dr. Rank confesses his love to Nora, she instinctively moves away, and so forth. THE MAIN VS. IMPACT STORY THROUGHLINE: Main vs. Impact Story Name: "The Wonderful Thing" Throughline Synopsis: Nora and Torvald operate within their marriage according to the rules Torvald has set forth. Because each has a different way of thinking, conflict occurs when Nora steps outside these boundaries, even though it is to save Torvald's life. Backstory: Throughline as it relates to Manipulation: Nora and Torvald come into conflict because their ways of thinking differ; Torvald's basis of evaluation is honor, Nora's is love. Concern as it relates to Developing a Plan: What Nora visualizes as to what makes a happy marriage is at odds with what Torvald values and sees as important. Issue as it relates to Situation : Nora and Torvald's status as a respectable married couple must be maintained, regardless of circumstances that may cause difficulties, as explained by Torvald: "'The matter must be hushed up at any cost. And as for you and me, it must appear as if everything between us were just as before-but naturally only in the eyes of the world'" (Ibsen, 1879, p. 191). Counterpoint as it relates to Circumstances : Thematic Conflict as it relates to Situation vs. Circumstances: Problem as it relates to Aware: Nora submits to Torvald's awareness of what he thinks is the right way to run a marriage, keeping the two from ever addressing their personal issues. Solution as it relates to Self Aware: If each becomes aware of their own concerns they stand a chance of a happy marriage, but as Nora becomes self-aware, and Torvald does not, their marital problems are not solved. Symptom as it relates to Inequity: Nora is subjected to Torvald having the upper hand in their marriage, emotionally and economically. Response as it relates to Equity: Nora thinks once Torvald's salary increases, and once she has paid off her loan to Krogstad, her marriage will be stable; Torvald has no intention of their marriage ever achieving emotional or financial parity. Catalyst as it relates to Sense of Self: Torvald's concern for his self and family's image, and lack of concern for Nora's feelings, hastens the breakup of their marriage. Inhibitor as it relates to Instinct: Nora's instinct to keep her doings away from Torvald impedes understanding between them. Benchmark as it relates to Playing a Role: The lack of growth in the Helmers' marriage is based upon how well Nora fulfills the role of a little doll to Torvald's role of the benevolent master. Nora's THROUGHLINE: Role: Wife Description: "Warm, vibrant, childish...a devoted wife and mother who romps with her children..." (Flaxman, 1959, p.9) Throughline Synopsis: Nora works very hard to live up to the expectations that are set out for her, whether they are from her father or husband, going as far as committing forgery and deception. Unfortunately, she does not learn the importance of her own self-awareness until her marriage is destroyed. Backstory: Throughline as it relates to Fixed Attitude: Nora maintains the conviction that if she can keep Torvald from discovering her past indiscretion, all will be well in their marriage. Concern as it relates to Memories: Nora is concerned with recalling the difficulty of obtaining the money necessary to save her husband's life. Issue as it relates to Evidence : Krogstad has evidence that Nora forged her father's signature and is blackmailing Nora to influence her husband to keep him on at the bank; Nora's adherence to this pressure serves to arouse Torvald's suspicions. Counterpoint as it relates to Suspicion : Thematic Conflict as it relates to Evidence vs. Suspicion: Problem as it relates to Aware: Nora is aware of her husband and children's needs, without paying attention to her own. Solution as it relates to Self Aware: Once Nora chooses to be self-aware, she will be a better person for herself and others: "I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being just as you are-or, at all events, that I must try and become one...I can no longer content myself with what most people say or with what is found in books. I must think things over for myself and get to understand them." (Ibsen, 1879, p. 197) Symptom as it relates to Desire: Nora focuses on the motivation to change her situation. Response as it relates to Ability: Nora is able to improve her situation by work: "Well, then, I have found other ways of earning money. Last winter I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do, so I locked myself up and sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Many a time I was desperately tired, but all the same it was a tremendous pleasure to sit there working and earning money. It was like being a man." (Ibsen, 1879, p. 130) Unique Ability as it relates to Falsehood: If Nora can maintain the fabrication she has created-her happy marriage will be maintained as well. Critical Flaw as it relates to Fate: Try as she might to prevent Torvald from discovering the truth, it is inevitable he find out about her past indiscretion, which will have a tremendous impact on their future (or lack thereof) together. Benchmark as it relates to Impulsive Responses: Nora judges Torvald's true feelings for her by his immediate response to her confession. Torvald Helmer's THROUGHLINE: Role: Husband Description: Self-righteous, concerned with his status in the home and in the community Throughline Synopsis: Torvald Helmer, a pompous and self-satisfied man, is preparing to take on an important position of bank manager. He does not understand why his wife, a woman he considers no more than a decorative doll, pleads with him to retain Krogstad, a shady lawyer and friend of his past. Once he finds out Nora had borrowed money (and forged her father's signature) from Krogstad, he turns on his wife, despite the fact she did it to save his life. He is willing to forgive and forget after Krogstad returns the bond, but it is too late-Nora leaves him. Backstory: Throughline as it relates to Situation: Torvald is concerned with his and his family's status in the home and community. Concern as it relates to The Past: Krogstad's past misconduct assures him of losing his position at the bank, and his past relationship with Torvald determines there is no chance of Torvald trying to understand he is a changed man; Torvald alludes to Nora's father's past transgressions, and how they may have influenced his wife's nature; Torvald has no desire to share his wife with anyone from her past; and so forth. Issue as it relates to Prediction : Torvald is deciding upon the future state of affairs at the bank, and fending off his wife's efforts to change the course he has pre-determined; when Torvald learns of Nora's forgery and the impending ruination of the Helmers' reputation, he determines how they will act in the future to minimize any damage done to their image-his plans are halted by Krogstad's returning Nora's bond. Counterpoint as it relates to Interdiction : Thematic Conflict as it relates to Prediction vs. Interdiction: Problem as it relates to Inertia: Torvald has established what he thinks is the perfect marriage, based on his ideals and what he believes to be the right way of doing things, and he wants to keep it that way: Helmer: Nora-can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? Nora: Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of all would have to happen. Helmer: Tell me what that would be! Nora: Both you and I would have to be so changed-Oh, Torvald, I don't believe any longer in wonderful things happening. (Ibsen, 1879, p. 202) Solution as it relates to Change: If Torvald could change his possessive and unbending nature, he would have a chance at a happy marriage. Symptom as it relates to Perception: Torvald's perception of Nora as a doll, (not a real woman) and their life in the doll's house (not a real marriage), causes problems for Nora, and ultimately, for himself. Response as it relates to Actuality: Torvald's actual nature turns Nora away from him. Unique Ability as it relates to Destiny: Torvald's destiny as bank manager is what forces Krogstad to put pressure on Nora. Critical Flaw as it relates to Truth: Torvald values the truth more than Nora. Benchmark as it relates to How Things are Changing: Torvald measures the progress he is making in his career by how it affects his status in the community. ACT PROGRESSIONS: The Overall Throughline Act Order: Overall Story Signpost 1 as it relates to Doing: The Helmers' household prepares for Christmas; Mrs. Linde arrives in town to renew her friendship with her childhood school-mate, Nora, and to look for work; Krogstad meets with Torvald in regard to his position at the bank; and so forth. Overall Story Journey 1 from Doing to Gathering Information: Overall Story Signpost 2 as it relates to Gathering Information: Krogstad asks Nora if the woman he saw Torvald with was Mrs. Linde, and if so, is she to have an appointment (his) at the bank; Nora learns that Krogstad has determined she had forged her father's signature; Nora learns that the law cares nothing for motives; and so forth. Overall Story Journey 2 from Gathering Information to Obtaining: Overall Story Signpost 3 as it relates to Obtaining: Nora wants to get her bond back; Dr. Rank lets Nora know he would give his life for her sake; Krogstad wants to obtain Torvald's help in rehabilitating his reputation; and so forth. Overall Story Journey 3 from Obtaining to Understanding: Overall Story Signpost 4 as it relates to Understanding: Mrs. Linde tries to make Krogstad understand why she had to break with him in the past; Mrs. Linde makes clear to Krogstad she understands why he has acted as he has in the past; Mrs. Linde and Krogstad reach an understanding about their future together; Mrs. Linde explains to Krogstad why he must not retrieve his damning letter: "'Helmer must know all about it. This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them, which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on'" (Ibsen, 1879, p. 180). Once Torvald has read the letter, he demands of Nora her understanding of her actions. He condemns her without forgiveness until he receives Nora's bond back from Krogstad. His harsh words and actions lead Nora to understand he has never loved her and she has been served a great injustice. The Main vs. Impact Throughline Act Order: Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 1 as it relates to Developing a Plan: Nora and Torvald come into conflict over how Nora plans to spend the money they anticipate from his new position. Main vs. Impact Story Journey 1 from Developing a Plan to Playing a Role: Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 2 as it relates to Playing a Role: Torvald unwittingly airs his views to Nora about how those who do not openly admit their guilt and take their punishment are hypocrites, and "'such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of a home'" (Ibsen, 1879, p. 147), silencing Nora, who does not think in the same black and white terms. Main vs. Impact Story Journey 2 from Playing a Role to Changing One's Nature: Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 3 as it relates to Changing One's Nature: Representative of her daily subjugation, Torvald wants Nora to transform herself into a Neapolitan fishergirl and dance the tarantella for the Stenborg's fancy-dress ball; Nora wants Torvald to overcome his narrow-mindedness in regard to Krogstad keeping his post at the bank. Main vs. Impact Story Journey 3 from Changing One's Nature to Conceiving an Idea: Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 4 as it relates to Conceiving an Idea: Torvald cannot conceive of Nora's "betrayal"; Nora initially cannot conceive that her husband does not understand the lengths she was forced to take to save him, and how he now refuses to stand by her side. The Main Character Throughline Act Order: Main Character Signpost 1 as it relates to Memories: Nora shares with Mrs. Linde her recollections of how she borrowed money years before to save Torvald's life. Main Character Journey 1 from Memories to Impulsive Responses: Main Character Signpost 2 as it relates to Impulsive Responses: Nora's unthinking responses to Krogstad's prodding creates more animosity between the two, undermining Nora's bid for understanding from the loan shark. Main Character Journey 2 from Impulsive Responses to Innermost Desires: Main Character Signpost 3 as it relates to Innermost Desires: Nora is driven by the fear of discovery. Main Character Journey 3 from Innermost Desires to Contemplation: Main Character Signpost 4 as it relates to Contemplation: Once the truth is out, Nora considers all of Torvald's words and reactions, and decides she can no longer live with him. The Impact Character Throughline Act Order: Impact Character Signpost 1 as it relates to The Past: Torvald is in the dark about what really happened in the past, how Nora was able to raise the money to make their trip to the south to save his life, and how it has impacted their home life. For example, he recalls how dull the three weeks before last year's Christmas were when Nora had shut herself away from the family every night, ostensibly to make ornaments, when in reality she was doing copy work to pay off her debt. Impact Character Journey 1 from The Past to How Things are Changing: Impact Character Signpost 2 as it relates to How Things are Changing: Torvald is concerned with moving forward on his new authority at the bank by making use of the Christmas week to implement staff changes. Impact Character Journey 2 from How Things are Changing to The Future: Impact Character Signpost 3 as it relates to The Future: Because of Torvald and Krogstad's past association as youths, Torvald is concerned that if he does not dismiss Krogstad, it will make his future position in the bank intolerable. Impact Character Journey 3 from The Future to The Present: Impact Character Signpost 4 as it relates to The Present: Torvald is concerned with what he feels is his wife's betrayal, and the fact that he is now to live without her. Miscellaneous Other Storytelling Items: All Concerns: The overall plot is an exposition of the fallibility of human beings, and the forgiveness and understanding (or lack thereof) that follows. Torvald determines Nora is her father's daughter, and her father's past transgressions have negatively influenced her nature. Nora is sure that selflessness is key to a happy marriage, and recalls the difficulty she underwent to save Torvald's life. Nora and Torvald are not able to reach an understanding in their relationship, because they fundamentally disagree on what makes a happy marriage. Copyright 1994-2002 Screenplay Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Based on theories and materials developed by Melanie Anne Phillips and Chris Huntley Dramatica is a registered trademark of Screenplay Systems Incorporated. Patent #5,734,916; #6,105,046

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