The Radical Mystique
by Arthur Laurents

The Radical Mystique Book Cover — The Radical Mystique Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

120 mins1960sRole(s) for Black Actor(s)Interior SetPeriod CostumesAmerican

Synopsis

In the New York of the late 60's when the term "radical chic" was coined by Tom Wolfe, friends Josie and Janice are arranging a party to aid the Black Panthers' Self Defense Fund.

In the process, their complacency is shaken and they are forced to confront things they would prefer to leave alone.

Press Reviews

"Achingly earnest comedy of manners.... His concern is nothing less than the way in which the most basic relationships are sustained by lies."
— N.Y. Times

"It holds the interest in the old fashioned way. It earns it."
— N.Y. Post

"Full of Laurents' caustic wit and moments of wisdom.... An unusually civilized evening."
— N.Y. Daily News

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Janice Catlett Attractive, chic black woman, same age as Josie, languid, sharp.	female	—	Attractive, chic black woman, same age as Josie, languid, sharp.
Parker Gruenwald 17, long hair, attractive, pure.	—	—	17, long hair, attractive, pure.
Tad Gruenwald Mid-forties, tailor-made sports clothes, controlling with charm.	—	—	Mid-forties, tailor-made sports clothes, controlling with charm.
Merriwell 36, clean cut good looks, sexual, menacing.	—	—	36, clean cut good looks, sexual, menacing.
Josie Gruenwald Attractive, about 40, feisty, endearing.	—	—	Attractive, about 40, feisty, endearing.