I Ought to Be in Pictures

by Neil Simon

When Libby Tucker travels to California to visit her estranged father, whom she has always idolized, it forces them, and her father's lover, Steffy, to reevaluate their feelings

Genres: Plays, Drama, Theatre

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Marvin Neil Simon was an American playwright and screenwriter. He wrote more than 30 plays and he received more combined Oscar and Tony nominations than any other writer. He was one of the most reliable hitmakers in Broadway history, as well as one of the most performed playwrights in the world. Though primarily a comic writer, some of his plays, particularly the Eugene Trilogy and The Sunshine Boys, reflect on the twentieth century Jewish-American experience.

Reviews

[Cassidy Monti · Rating 3 out of 5]

apparently neil simon is a jerk but libby’s monologue is so good for me as an actress 😭😭

[Jojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Libby arrives on the doorstep of her father, Herb, in California after he abandoned her sixteen years prior. At first things don't go too well as Herb thinks she's just using him for his Hollywood contacts (he's a writer, she's a wannabe actress) and she calls him out for being a deadbeat dad. But eventually things turn around and the two reconnect. It's short lived though as Libby decides to return to New York because she got what she came for which is just the love she was starved of for so many years.
Review: Definitely preferred this to the previous play I just read. It wasn't anything too special. The dad was a douche though even if he did eventually begin to love her but like sorry you don't think it's gonna work out with your wife so you just abandon your two children!? Nah, that's not cool. Anyway yeah this was fine.
Grade: C

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not one of his best, but a very heartwarming comedy by Neil Simon. A young woman from Brooklyn travels across country to California to find her long lost father, who she hasn't seen in 15 years. He's a scriptwriter who is surprised at his daughter's visit. The relationship ups and downs between the two characters is amusing, but doesn't have the pizazz of "The Odd Couple" or "Barefoot in the Park", but is still entertaining in its own way.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a play is never as good as watching a play.

That being said, this was still a fun read. Libby is unique and fun, Herb is grumpy and afraid of commitment, and Steffy is a calm, balancing presence who is pursuing what she wants.

[Mrs. Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a play is never as good as watching a play.

That being said, this was still a fun read. Libby is unique and fun, Herb is grumpy and afraid of commitment, and Steffy is a calm, balancing presence who is pursuing what she wants.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid 2 or 2.5

It has your typical Simon jokes and flair and only 3 characters. Man has daughter and girlfriend issues. It's cute, I guess. It's one of those Simon's that never really needs to be done or seen again. It's fine.

[Ruthie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class. I enjoyed it and the characters in it, but it wasn't my favorite.

[Dan Blackley · Rating 2 out of 5]

A play about a screenwriter who's estranged daughter comes to live with him.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful drama and a daughter trying to find and connect with her long lost father.

[Lila · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my fav plays (college auditions monologue!) love libby to death

[David Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

So dated, still charming.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

if anyone anywhere is doing this play, i am libby and am ready to be cast asap

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This play is hopelessly dated and unfunny. As evidence here is an exchange between Herb and Libby from act one.
L: “You want another cream soda?” is not exactly a talk. We haven’t seen each other since I’m three years old. We have a lot of gaps to fill in.
H: Tonight? You want to fill in the entire sixteen years tonight?
L: Well, we could spread it out. A couple of hours every night for a week, like they did with Roots."

[Alain Leclerc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny lines, true to life characters and a story that seems simple but very effective. You have to have live a little to appreciate the genius of Neil Simon. This play stayed with me for days after I read it.

[Shane LaLonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite O’Neill plays. I feel like it is lesser known. But it rips your heart right out of your chest when your least expecting it. I cried a lot! It really touched me and also made me laugh. I love this play. So much.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't remember a whole lot but what I do remember is very heartfelt, very charming, and very funny. Probably one of Neil Simon's more serious pieces, even though his humor is still there.

[Brendan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this delightfully quirky, potentially easy to stage. Good show.

[Brian McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

2018: Classic Simon. Well-constructed and week-written. An underrated piece.

2025: Enjoyed it again immensely. Such a tightly-written piece.

[Laura]

I love Neil Simon. His pacing is an inspiration.

[ChrissieP · Rating 4 out of 5]

This funny and heartwarming play stays with you because of the intensely meaningful relationships.