An Inspector Calls
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An Inspector Calls is a popular drama written in 1946, by the British dramatist J.B. Priestley. The play is often studied as part of the GCSE school syllabus, and is still frequently performed. The Royal National Theatre production, directed by Stephen Daldry, is often heralded as the definitive production, paralleling the events of the play with 1945. It has won 19 major awards including the Tony Award for Best Play Revival.
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Plot
The plot centres on the visit made by a mysterious police inspector to a wealthy and apparently respectable family, for the purposes of enquiring into the death of a poor and unknown girl. The inspector reminds each family member in turn of his or her connection with the girl, leading each of them to suppose that their unintentional cruelty or thoughtlessness has brought about the girl's death. As the play ends we begin to question the reliability of the inspector, resulting in him being branded as a fake. The family calls the police station to find that Inspector Goole is not employed there, and they decide he was a fake. Then the telephone rings and they are told that an inspector is arriving to ask some questions. As the curtains close, the true nature of the inspector is called into doubt.
Characters
- Mr. Birling - A portly industrialist who has climbed the ranks of society in his late fifties, seen as nouveau rich. He sacked Eva Smith from her job for protesting against the low wages and campaigning for higher ones.
- Sheila Birling - His daughter. In her early twenties, she has just been engaged to Gerald Croft. She was responsible for the sacking of Eva Smith from her job in Milwards; making a fuss about a seemingly innocent smile.
- Mrs. Birling - About fifty years old, her husband's social superior. She is perhaps the most to blame for Eva Smith's death, refusing her charity when Daisy/Eva was clearly in need.
- Eric Birling - Mr. and Mrs. Birling's son. A heavy drinker in his early twenties. Forced himself unto Daisy Renton, impregnated her whilst under the influence of alcohol.
- Gerald Croft - Son of Mr. Birling's business rival, about thirty. Engaged to Sheila. He had an affair with Eva Smith, and claims that he genuinely felt for the girl, though he is easily made as egoistic.
- Inspector Goole - Mysterious 'police inspector', sent to the Birling house to investigate the death of Eva Smith. Evidently, or maybe not, a ghoul of the protagonists' conscience -- hence the name.
- Edna
- Eva Smith
Cast
The play An Inspector Calls was first produced by Basil Dean in London on October 1, 1946 at the New Theater.
- Arthur Birling - Julien Mitchell
- Sybil Birling - Marian Spencer
- Sheila Birling - Margaret Leighton
- Eric Birling - Alec Guinness
- Edna - Marjorie Dunkels
- Gerald Croft - Harry Andrews
- Inspector Goole - Ralph Richardson
- Eva Smith- ?
Other points of note
- Students studying the play have noticed that Priestley uses dramatic devices to add to the tension and suspense in the play. The play is set in one room, the Birling's dining room, because the Inspector is able to speak to all the characters at the same time. He is also able to interrupt the family celebration (the engagement of Sheila and Gerald Croft). The play takes place in one evening. Eva Smith is dead from the beginning of the play as this makes her seem more mysterious. (D.Y,Year 10 EPAC)
- Priestly is noted to have used the character of Sheila and the Inspector as a Staging Device.
- The 1954 British film version of the play starred Alastair Sim as the Inspector, with Arthur Young, Adam Kennedy, Etou Samuel, A. Staines., Olga Lindo and Bryan Forbes. It was adapted by Desmond Davis and directed by Guy Hamilton.