Breuer, Bessie, 1893--

Bessie Breuer nee Freedman was born October 19, 1893 in Cleveland, Ohio to Samuel and Julia Freedman. After graduating from the Missouri State University School of Journalism, she worked, first, as a reporter for the St. Louis Times, then as an editor for the New York Tribune. She left that position to become the national director of magazine publicity for the American Red Cross at the end of World War I, and subsequently joined the staff of the Ladies Home Journal. In 1925 she married her third husband, the painter Henry Varnum Poor. Part of the expatriate movement, Breuer moved to France and began writing fiction under the encouragement of Kay Boyle and others. After successfully publishing a few short stories, she published her first novel, Memory of Love, in 1934. Between 1934 and 1961, Bessie Breuer published four novels, one collection of short stories, and a play, Sundown Beach, which was produced by Elia Kazan in 1948.

From the description of Bessie Breuer photograph collection, 1926-1972. (Southern Illinois University). WorldCat record id: 319855296

From the description of Bessie Breuer papers, 1926-1972. (Southern Illinois University). WorldCat record id: 312107984

Bessie Breuer (1893-1975) was a journalist, novelist, short story writer and playwright whose only produced play, SUNDOWN BEACH (1948), was one of the first efforts of the Actors Studio. After an early career in journalism as reporter and editor, Breuer began publishing short stories and, in 1935, her first novel, MEMORY OF LOVE. During World War II she wrote radio scripts for the Office of War Information. After the war a health crisis compelled Breuer to go south to recover, and in Florida she met the recuperating Air Force fliers who became the central figures of her play SUNDOWN BEACH. In later years Breuer continued to write novels. She died in New York City in September 1975 at the age of 81.

From the guide to the Bessie Breuer papers, 1948, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)

Bessie Breuer (1893-1975) was a journalist, novelist, short story writer and playwright whose only produced play, SUNDOWN BEACH (1948), was one of the first efforts of the Actors Studio.

After an early career in journalism as reporter and editor, Breuer began publishing short stories and, in 1935, her first novel, MEMORY OF LOVE. During World War II she wrote radio scripts for the Office of War Information. After the war a health crisis compelled Breuer to go south to recover, and in Florida she met the recuperating Air Force fliers who became the central figures of her play SUNDOWN BEACH. In later years Breuer continued to write novels. She died in New York City in September 1975 at the age of 81.

From the description of Bessie Breuer papers, 1948. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122626207