Hopkins, Arthur, 1878-1950

Arthur Hopkins, theatrical producer and director for the New York stage, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 4, 1878, the youngest of ten children.

His began his career in newspapers, then press agentry and booking vaudeville acts. His first Broadway production was POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, 1913. This was the start of a successful career in which he produced over seventy plays and directed scores of well-known theater personalities including Lionel, John and Ethel Barrymore. Among his most famous productions were HAMLET with John Barrymore, THE JEST, ANNA CHRISTIE and WHAT PRICE GLORY. As a director, he was known for his light touch and for valuing artistic over commercial merit. A writer as well, he published plays, books and articles. Arthur Hopkins died on March 22, 1950.

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