The Maltese Walter

by John Minigan

TEN-MINUTE: On the eve of his wedding day, mild-mannered accountant Walter visits therapist Dr. Eddy with a big problem: Walter’s fiancée refuses to marry him unless he gives up his superpower and secret identity: noir-Man, able to transform any moment into film noir. When fiancée Vera arrives, she and Dr. Eddy convince Walter to “go straight,” but the therapy takes a dark and unexpected turn. (10-minute)...

TEN-MINUTE: On the eve of his wedding day, mild-mannered accountant Walter visits therapist Dr. Eddy with a big problem: Walter’s fiancée refuses to marry him unless he gives up his superpower and secret identity: noir-Man, able to transform any moment into film noir. When fiancée Vera arrives, she and Dr. Eddy convince Walter to “go straight,” but the therapy takes a dark and unexpected turn. (10-minute)

Adapted as a short film, Noir-Man, but Asylum Giant in the UK
Published in Best 10-Minute Plays of 2016, Smith & Kraus
Samuel French OOB Festival Finalist 2015
2014 Finalist, Heidemann Award, Actors Theatre of Louisville
2014 First Place, Rover Dramawerks Contest
2014 Winner (one of six), Longwood University 0-60 Contest

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The Maltese Walter

Recommended by

  • Jon Aylward: The Maltese Walter by John Minigan
    “

    Very fun piece. It's a hoot to see all of the noir tropes not just represented but also given a hearty comedic snap of the towel. Enjoyable, as well, how you poke fun at the absurdity of a superhero's origin story. Lot of fun to read, must be even more fun to stage. Nice work!

    Very fun piece. It's a hoot to see all of the noir tropes not just represented but also given a hearty comedic snap of the towel. Enjoyable, as well, how you poke fun at the absurdity of a superhero's origin story. Lot of fun to read, must be even more fun to stage. Nice work!

    ”
  • Julie Linden: The Maltese Walter by John Minigan
    “

    A huge treat for film noir fans (because who among us does not want the power to live in that world from time to time?). And what could be better than one femme fatale? How about two?!
    Enjoyed The Theater Project's (Brunswick, ME) shadowy, flask-and-fedora's production.

    A huge treat for film noir fans (because who among us does not want the power to live in that world from time to time?). And what could be better than one femme fatale? How about two?!
    Enjoyed The Theater Project's (Brunswick, ME) shadowy, flask-and-fedora's production.

    ”
  • Greg Burdick: The Maltese Walter by John Minigan
    “

    Packed with rich opportunities for lighting, sound, and costume designers, The Maltese Walter mercilessly (but lovingly) sends up noir in a modern context. Minigan delivers a funny, satisfying short, with an ending that couldn’t be more perfect.

    Packed with rich opportunities for lighting, sound, and costume designers, The Maltese Walter mercilessly (but lovingly) sends up noir in a modern context. Minigan delivers a funny, satisfying short, with an ending that couldn’t be more perfect.

    ”
View all 20 recommendations
2M, 1F
Walter, M, 20s-40s, mild-mannered accountant and superhero
Dr. Eddy, 30s-50s, therapist
Vera, 20s-40s, femme-fatale and girl-next-door

Production History

  • Professional, Short + Sweet Festival, Hollywood, 2016
  • Professional, Short + Sweet Festival, Sydney, 2016
  • Professional, Acme Theatre New Works Festival, 2015
  • Professional, BARE Essentials, London, 2015
  • Professional, Little Fish Theater, Pick of the Vine Best Short Plays, 2015
  • Professional, Open Tent Theater Company, NYC, 2015
  • Professional, Rover Dramawerks, 2015
  • Professional, Samuel French OOB Festival (produced by Hey Jonte!), 2015
  • Professional, Seoul Players, Seoul, South Korea, 2015
  • Professional, Seoul Players, Seoul, South Korea, 2015
  • Professional, Short + Sweet Dubai, 2015
  • Professional, Short + Sweet Festival Queensland, Australia, 2015
  • University, Longwood University, 2015
  • Professional, Argos Productions/Boston Theatre Marathon, 2014
  • Professional, Orange Tea Theatre, Amsterdam, 2014
  • Professional, Snowdance Comedy Festival, 2014

Awards

  • Best 10 Minute Plays of 2016
    Smith & Kraus (Publication)
    Selection
    2016
  • Best of BARE Essentials
    Encompass Productions, London
    Selection
    2016
  • Actors Theatre Playhouse Contest
    Actors Theatre Playhouse
    Winner
    2016
  • Heideman Award
    Actors Theatre of Louisville
    Finalist
    2014
  • Rover Dramawerks Short Play Contest
    Rover Dramawerks
    Winner
    2015
  • Seoul Players Festival
    Seoul Players, Seoul South Korea
    Winner
    2015