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Never the Sinner

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When it comes to Leopold and Loeb, John Logan is the best story-teller. His use of a time manipulation and powerful language makes this play as full of suspense as one can. I have visited Chicago and "haunted" the sites mentioned in this book and, after talking to people about this true story and completing the research I intended to, I came to the realization that this book WAS as much an obsession with Mr. Logan as it is with me now. He portrays the brutal truth along side the unfortunate morals and ideals these two young murderers were plagued with. Clarence Darrow, in his closing summations for the defense of these boys, stated, "I may very well hate the sin in all the world, but never the sinner." I think, as John Logan certainly did, that this statement characterizes the time and mood (as does this book) of the early 1920s and the Leopold and Loeb - Crime of the Century.

In John Logan's moving yet horrifying "Never the Sinner" we meet two infamous killers, and the mystic, mythic figure that chose to defend these two.

Set in the 1920s, Logan spins the story of Leopold and Loeb, two rich, handsome teenagers that, due to the mixing of their personalities and dangerous philosophies (Nietzche gone bad) decide to kill someone for the experience of it. After this henious act, Clarence Darrow rides in, not to wipe the guilt from their souls, but merely defend them from going to the gallows.

There are several moving aspects to this play which Logan has brilliantly captured in small scenes. The courtship and love between Leopold and Loeb is explored fully. Some ficiton and non-fiction written about these two shy away from the possible homosexual connection, but not Logan. Their actions are horrendous, their self-centered thinking abhorrant, but the relationship between the two powers this play and is intriguing. You want the union of these two not to result in murder, but in love.

The other passionate part of the play comes with the introduction of Clarence Darrow in the second act. He rides in and becomes a fierce adversary of the death penalty, and brilliant argues against the ultimate punishment. However, his courtroom bravado is tempered by scenes with the boys, when he tries desparately to understand the actions of these two. And due to his efforts, Leopold and Loeb begin to struggle with the consequences of their actions, and become more human (which, upon my understanding of the actual story, never really happened).

John Logan has given us a play that reads very well, is very passionate and compelling, and a true classic of theater today.

John Logan contructs a masterful picture of the times and people involved in the first "crime of the century." This is a dazzling piece of work that could only exist on the stage. Suspenseful, involing, emotive, compassionate and above all amazingly theatrical, this work stands not only as a terrific documentary play of an important time, but as an engrossing example of how powerful a medium the theatre can be.

After reading this play, I must question why there has not been an attempt to bring this work into the mainstream theatre or even movies. Despite Logan's modesty, this is a compelling and well written work about one of the most shocking crimes in history.

Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb were teenage millionaires that had everything. Both men were highly intelligent college students with a lot of potential. They believed they were such "Ubermensch" or supermen that they could get away with anything, even murder. In the end, they realize that they are not superman, but flawed individuals.

Throughout the development of this play we see the shift in the power of their relationship which is based on a "Homosexual Pact". While Loeb originally is dominant in the relationship, Leopold seems to take the lead once they are on trial. Perhaps this is due to Loeb coming to the realization that he is not a superman. This "love story" is based on fact and gives us some insight into how these young minds that went sour. However, we will never know the full story.

Clarence Darrow is documented in the writting. His character's beliefs are a reflection of what history has recorded about Darrow. He was a fiesty and wise lawyer that opposed the death penalty. Truly, he is a role model for contemporary lawyers.

This book is an excellent read for a short car trip or plane flight. It is short, but very entertaining and gets to the point.

"Never the Sinner" is possibly one of the most historically accurate plays of today. It tells the true story of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb and their quest to become ubermensch, or "supermen", as described by renowned philosopher, Nietsche. It offers the audience a journey through the early 1920's through the eyes the two young men. Their strange relationship and above normal intelligence find way to extremes beyond their own imaginations. John Logan has investigated this "crime of the century" and created a theatrical masterpiece. I have been fortunate enough to perform in a production of "Never the Sinner" in Buffalo, NY and, as Nathan Leopold, I conducted extensive research myself - this play is, without a doubt, extremely accurate and hauntingly so. It won various achievement awards and has been nominated, with pleasant outcome, as Best Play. If you're looking for a suspenseful, romantic, mysterious play - one that has been prestigeously acclaimed throughout the world, "Never the Sinner" will not only keep you on the edge of your nerves by bringing historical and frightfully realistic visions to the forefront of your mind, but a keen understanding of what power, determination, and Hollywood ideals of the 1920's could produce to the criminal minds of Leopold and Loeb.

I read this play because I was auditioning for a part - and only 20 or so pages in I realized just how INCREDIBLE it was going to be. Very few times have I come across a play so well written...this show is a fantastic journey that no one should miss.

"Never the Sinner" is a well-written play that examines the notorious crime of Leopold and Loeb. John Logan masterfully examines the mindset of these two 'supermen' who try to commit the perfect crime, merely because they can. His play also portrays Clarence Darrow, the man who defended them in court.

Leopold and Loeb tried to commit the perfect murder, simply because they could. They were young, rich and intelligent, and had no motive for killing an innocent cousin than for sheer experimentary entertainment. Logan examines the friendship between the two teenagers, which strayed into homosexuality, and the slip-up that brought about their capture. Clarence Darrow, as their defender, doesn't try to deny their actions - he can not do so because they readily admit to their guilt and lack of motive - but he still argues strongly and persuasively to prevent their deaths.

John Logan's "Never the Sinner" is a brilliant look at two fascinating characters. It's surprising that little has been done with Leopold and Loeb on the screen (despite Hitchcock's similar story "The Rope"). It is a fascinating and entertaining story that transcends the years.