The Gold Diggers (1919 play)

The Gold Diggers is a play written by Avery Hopwood. It premiered in 1919 and became a major Broadway hit. The play revolves around a group of chorus girls in New York City who are attempting to find wealthy men to marry, the titular "gold diggers." It satirizes the social dynamics and aspirations of the era, focusing on themes of love, money, and social climbing. The play's success led to several film adaptations, most notably the 1923 silent film and the 1933 pre-Code musical film, Gold Diggers of 1933, which launched a series of similar films by Warner Bros. Although the original play is less remembered today than its cinematic descendants, it remains a significant piece of early 20th-century American theatre, providing a glimpse into the societal concerns and entertainment preferences of the Jazz Age. Hopwood's writing style is characterized by its comedic timing and witty dialogue, contributing significantly to the play's initial success and enduring legacy as the source material for a celebrated film franchise.