A family, under the influence of their individualistic elderly patriach, live their lives
the way they want to--even if it seems eccentric by society in general. No matter,
they are happy with what they're doing, whether it's starting to write plays because
a typewriter was delivered by mistake, or making fireworks, or printing nonsensical
items, or doing ballet, or just enjoying life. The deal is that this is during the 1930's
and their antics do look strange to everyone else.
A young woman in the family who chooses to live and work in the rat race plans to
marry the boss' son. He and his family come to meet her family. That's when things
really get interesting.Characters
Martin Vanderhof (Grandpa) -- In his seventies, he left the business world decades beforehand and chose to enjoy life attending college graduations, feeding snakes, or playing darts.
Penny Sycamore -- In her forties or fifties. The rather flighty daughter of Grandpa who writes plays.
Paul Sycamore -- Early fifties. Spends life making fireworks and playing with erector sets
Alice Sycamore -- Twenties. Penny and Paul's daughter who lives the traditional life.
Essie Carmichael -- Twenties. Penny and Paul's other daughter. Lives to dance ballet, albeit badly.
Ed Carmichael -- Twenties. Essie's husband. Plays the xylophone, prints things and delivers Essie's homemade candies.
Tony Kirby -- Late twenties to early thirties. Alice's fiance and the boss' son.
Mr. DePinna -- Forties or fifties. Came to deliver ice to the house years ago and lived there ever since.
Boris Kolenkhov -- Thirties or Forties. Essie's flamboyant Russian ballet teacher. Yearns for pre-revolution Russia.
Rheba -- Twenties or Thirties. The Sycamore's African-American maid.
Donald -- Thirties. Rheba's boyfriend who always stays overnight (a big deal in the 1930's). An African-American on relief.
Mr. and Mrs. Kirby -- Fifties or Sixties. The typical upper class. Mr. Kirby is always business.
Grand Duchess Olga Katrina -- Any age above twenties. A member of the czar's family now working as a waitress.
Mr. Henderson -- Forties or Fifties. An IRS man. Tends to get aggrivated easily.
Gay Wellington -- Forties. A well-soused actress.
2 or 3 Department of Justice men
