When you comin back, Red Ryder? (a play in two acts) and Home Movie, a preface

The Hero Trilogy #1

by Mark Medoff

Book by Medoff, Mark Howard

Genres: Plays, Theatre, Drama

120 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Mark Medoff was an American playwright, screenwriter, film and theatre director, actor, and professor. His play Children of a Lesser God received both the Tony Award and the Olivier Award. He was nominated for an Academy Award and a Writers Guild of America Best Adapted Screenplay Award for the film script of Children of a Lesser God.

Reviews

[Carissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This play was disgusting. It’s just a humiliation fantasy written as a play instead of for porn. Sexist, no apparent plot or meaning, poorly constructed characters, and typos galore.

[Thyri Jaenisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this play in 1977 at a community college in Washington state. It was fantastic. One of the best plays I've ever seen, and I am an avid theater goer. Frankly, it change my life. It taught me that life is short and it doesn't matter what your dream is. It doesn't matter what other people think of your dream. You have to go for it. "When you comin' back Red Ryder? I'm never comin' back."

[Michael Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a diner in a southern New Mexico town, near the border of Mexico, we are introduced to Stephen (Red) Ryder. A young man of 19 that dreams of getting out of this small town and not working the graveyard shift. He stays to “decompress” from the evenings work, when the day shift worker, Angel, enters. From here we have a slice of life, a romance not discovered by Stephen with Angel, and the arrival of a young doctor and musician. The play then takes a turn in tone when the diner is visited by Teddy and his noticeably nervous companion Cheryl. Teddy makes the diner uneasy until he is put in the position to reveal his true intentions. The play then becomes a parade of cruelty. We see the death of innocence in Stephen, a commentary on masculinity and consumerism. What is truly valuable in life? The owner returns after Teddys departure to find the diner occupants bound with tape but no money taken. Teddy took what was valuable and can never be returned.

[Wesley Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s something about this play that gnaws away at one’s sensibilities. It poses many questions of the reader - one being - how would you react in this situation? None of the protagonists are particularly likeable, however after spending time watching the events unfold, you’re left rooting for most of them.

[Shannon Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t know where this was going but was still having a fairly good time, then the end absolutely nailed it. Somehow very complicated gender politics going on in there, many layers.

[Esme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up a copy of this play years ago when a theater professor I knew was retiring and downsizing his library. It caught my eye because I knew an episode of The A-Team was titled after it. So I thought I'd see if there was a connection. It sat on my shelf for years unread until I discovered Marjoe Gortner. I was researching the former child preacher and discovered that he produced and starred in the movie. He had also been in an episode of the A-Team. So that meandering and obscure couple of interests led me to finally reading this play. I really enjoyed it. Lots of tension...a good build up...and I agree with the playwright, "It's been a long time since I've been afraid of anything but madmen with guns." I would like to see this play redone in this post-Columbine, 9/11 age. As true today as it was then.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and terrifying. I often am not one for reading plays, but this one was utterly fantastic. I loved that the beginning did not set me up to expect what happened, but that i was still blown away by it. Beautiful.

[Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real classic play. As the years go by we are losing our past. This play helps the younger generation see a bit of life 'a long time ago.'
It wasn't meant for that but decade later, it does.
It frightens the soul a little

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intense drama involving a diner and a violent protagonist. Ending is a little unfulfilling.