Joseph Hutton (playwright)

Joseph Hutton (1848 – 1928) was an American playwright and journalist, best known for his melodramatic plays, particularly those adapted from popular novels. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hutton worked as a journalist for the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin for many years, writing columns and contributing to various publications. He gained prominence as a playwright in the late 19th century, often collaborating with other writers.

One of Hutton's most successful plays was an adaptation of Helen Hunt Jackson's novel Ramona (1884). Hutton's stage version, first produced in 1886, proved extremely popular, undergoing numerous revivals and solidifying his reputation as a skilled adapter of literary works for the stage. While some contemporary critics dismissed his work as overly sentimental and melodramatic, audiences embraced the emotional intensity and dramatic narratives present in his plays. Other notable works include Help (co-written with George H. Jessop) and A Possible Case.

Despite achieving significant success during his lifetime, Hutton's work has largely faded from theatrical repertoires, though his adaptation of Ramona remains a significant example of late 19th-century American melodrama. His plays offer insight into the theatrical tastes and social concerns of the period.