The play was first performed in Moscow, then came to London where it was staged by the Old Vic. The opening performance was on the same day as the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. This coincidence highlighted the dismay that Priestley, profoundly affected by his experiences of the First World War, felt at seeing such horrors repeated.
The need for society to change is a central theme of An Inspector Calls. In it, Priestley emphasizes the need for future generations to act and prevent further bloodshed. He hoped An Inspector Calls would contribute to public understanding which might lead to a labor election victory and a more caring society.
But the 1946 production, which starred Ralph Richardson and Alec Guinness left many critics cold.
Click here to read more about the 1946 production.
A film version of Priestley's drama debuted in 1954. It was directed by Guy Hamilton, who later gained fame as a director on the James Bond series, most notably with Goldfinger. However, the cast was, for the most part, forgettable and the film fared little better with the critics than had the 1946 staging.
It wasn't until director Stephen Daldry (of Billy Elliott fame) revived the play with an innovative staging that An Inspector Calls garnered international renown.
Click here to read more about Daldry's award-winning production.
Since its smashing revival, the play has been staged nearly continuously in London, the United States and elsewhere.