The Desperate Hours is a 1955 play by Joseph Hayes, based on his 1954 thriller novel of the same title. The story, about three escaped convicts invading a family's home and holding them hostage, was the basis for the films The Desperate Hours in 1955 and Desperate Hours in 1990. The play opened in New Haven's Shubert Theatre in 1955 before premiering on Broadway later that year. The Desperate Hours won Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Direction in 1955. References External links 1955 plays Broadway plays American plays adapted into films Plays based on novels Tony Award-winning plays Hostage taking in fiction