<P> McCullers herself adapted the novel for a Broadway production directed by Harold Clurman . It opened on January 5, 1950 at the Empire Theatre, where it ran for 501 performances . The cast included Ethel Waters, Julie Harris, and debuted Brandon deWilde, a seven - year - old second - grader at the time . </P> <P> Waters, Harris, and deWilde reprised their stage roles, with Arthur Franz, Nancy Gates, and Dickie Moore joining the cast, for the 1952 film version The Member of the Wedding . The screenplay was adapted by Edna and Edward Anhalt and directed by Fred Zinnemann . It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for Julie Harris, in her debut screen appearance . </P> <P> A stage musical version, F. Jasmine Addams, was produced Off - Broadway in 1971 . </P> <P> A 1982 television adaptation, directed by Delbert Mann, starred Pearl Bailey, Dana Hill, and Howard E. Rollins, Jr...</P>

Where does the member of the wedding take place