Philip Van Doren Stern-Elmer Harris correspondence 1939-1940

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Philip Van Doren Stern-Elmer Harris correspondence 1939-1940

http://archives.nypl.org/the/21662

Philip Van Doren Stern (1900-1984) was a historian, social critic, editor and author, best known for the short story which became the source for the 1946 film IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Elmer Harris (1878-1966) was a playwright and screenwriter, best known for his play and film JOHNNY BELINDA. The correspondence between Elmer Harris and Philip Van Doren Stern dates from April 1939 to January 1940, and concerns Harris' stage adaptation of Stern's book THE MAN WHO KILLED LINCOLN, concerning the last days of John Wilkes Booth. Also taking part in the correspondence was producer Joseph M. Gaites (1873-1940), who initiated the theatrical project and selected Harris as adaptor, and who occasionally wrote to Stern with updates on the production, and on the Hollywood producers said to be interested in motion picture rights to the play. The Stern-Harris letters discuss Booth and the historical facts concerning Abraham Lincoln's assassination, the portrayal of Booth in Stern's book and in the play, and matters concerning the production such as scenery and possible casting choices. Harris' outline which details the play scene by scene is included with an early letter. The play eventually premiered at the Longacre Theatre on January 17, 1940, but closed three days later after only five performances. No film version was made.

(1 portfolio)

The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.

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SNAC Resource ID: 6317913

Related Entities

There are 5 Entities related to this resource.

Booth, John Wilkes, 1838-1865

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6gt5n06 (person)

Actor; assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. From the description of John Wilkes Booth-Miller collection, 19??-1946 / Ernest Conrad Miller. (Allegheny College). WorldCat record id: 44935230 From the description of Papers, 1863 June-1865 April. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 27418055 From the description of Letter: Franklin, [Pennsylvania], to John, [18]64 June 17. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 27418059 ...

Gaites, Joseph M., approximately 1873-1940

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6d22xzq (person)

Stern, Philip Van Doren, 1900-1984

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6g16fm7 (person)

Philip Van Doren Stern (1900-1984) was a historian, social critic, editor and author, best known for the short story which became the source for the 1946 film IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Philip Van Doren Stern (1900-1984) was a historian, social critic, editor and author, best known for the short story which became the source for the 1946 film IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Philip Van Doren Stern was born in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, in 1900, grew up in Brooklyn, New Yo...

Harris, Elmer, 1878-1966

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6tb3g4f (person)

American author, dramatist, and playwright. From the description of The crucifiction : a tragedy in two acts [typescript], ca. 1908. (Boston Athenaeum). WorldCat record id: 636542383 ...

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6tz44c1 (person)

Abraham Lincoln (born February 12, 1809, Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky-died April 15, 1865, Washington, D.C.) was the sixteenth President of the United States from 1861 until his death by assassination. He was the son of a Kentucky frontiersman, Thomas Lincoln, and Nancy Hanks. In 1816, Lincoln moved to Pigeon Creek, Indiana, where he worked on his family's farm. Following his mother's death two years later, he continued working on farms until moving with his father to New Sa...