Editore: Belasco Theatre, New York, 1937
Da: Royal Books, Inc., ABAA, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
Vintage playbill for the 1937 Broadway production, which premiered at the Belasco Theatre on November 4, running for 250 performances. A young, skilled violinist begins working as a boxer in order to pay off his debts, although he risks hand injuries that could end his career as a musician. Basis for the 1939 film adaptation, directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Barbara Stanwyck and William Holden. 9 x 12 inches. Six leaves. A hint of toning and wear to the wrappers, else Near Fine.
Editore: N.P., N.p., 1954
Da: Royal Books, Inc., ABAA, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
Manoscritto / Collezionismo cartaceo
Draft script for the 1954 play, undated, circa 1954. The last theatrical effort to be written and directed by Clifford Odets. Paper tabs stapled along top edges, with scene numbers written in red manuscript ink indicating scenes. Title and Odet's name in manuscript ink on card stock affixed to the title page with cello tape, with a secretarial annotation noting the script as an office copy behind the card stock. Bound in before the script is a props list, itemizing props needed for each scene. The play premiered at the Belasco Theatre on December 28, 1954, running for 135 performances, before closing on April 23, 1955. Inspired by the fifteenth century Wakefield and Chester cycle of mystery plays, and later remade as the 1970 Broadway musical "Two by Two," starring Danny Kaye. An unusual play for Odets, a humorous, modern take on the Biblical story of Noah. White titled self-wrappers, integral with title page, with a credit for playwright Odets. 146 leaves, with last page of text numbered "Props iii". Mimeograph duplication, rectos only. Pages Very Good plus, with first and last leaves lightly soiled with creasing and closed tears to the extremities, bound with three gold brads.
Editore: United Artists, Beverly Hills, CA, 1955
Da: Royal Books, Inc., ABAA, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
Fotografia
Vintage press photograph from the set of the 1955 film. Based on Clifford Odets' 1949 Broadway play. 10 x 8 inches. Near Fine. Grant Worldwide. Selby US Canon. Silver and Ward Classic Noir. Spicer US.
Editore: N.p., N.p., 1941
Da: Royal Books, Inc., ABAA, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
Fotografia
Vintage black-and-white still photograph from the Broadway premiere of Clifford Odets' dark social drama, set in Staten Island, this image showing leads Tallulah Bankhead and Joseph Schildkraut. On the verso is a very detailed mimeo snipe prominently mentioning Odets as the playwright, and stamped 12-25-41, two days prior to the opening of the play. The play ran for a total of 49 performances at the Belasco Theatre in New York, between December 27, 1941 and February 7, 1942. Basis for the 1952 film noir directed by Fritz Lang, with Barbara Stanwyck, Paul Douglas, and Robert Ryan. A convergence of many monstrous talents that would shape theatre, acting, and even cinema for the rest of the twentieth century. The snipe at the verso notes that this dance hall impresario Billy Rose's first foray into drama, and though not mentioned, the play's director was Lee Strasberg, a close associate of Odets and the Group Theatre, who would go on to establish the Actor's Studio six years later, in 1947. Strasberg directed a number of Odets' key plays in the 1940s, including "Golden Boy," "Awake and Sing," and "Rocket to the Moon." 7 x 9 inches. Very Good plus, with slight wrinkle at one corner.
Editore: N.p., N.p., 1966
Da: Royal Books, Inc., ABAA, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
Fotografia
Six vintage reference photographs from the 1966 staging of the 1950 play, which ran from September 29 to October 16 at New York City Center. Also included with the photographs is a one-page mimeographed press release from the New York City Center Drama Company, announcing the play's debut. A once-famous Broadway star tries to get back on track after being cast in a starring role in a new musical, but his thinly masked alcoholism and cruelty to his wife complicate his return. Set in New York. 8 x 10 inches. Near Fine.
Editore: The Producers Theatre, New York, 1954
Da: Royal Books, Inc., ABAA, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
Fotografia Copia autografata
Archive of 14 vintage photographs from the 1954 play. Eleven photographs with stamps identifying the play, two photographs with the stamp of photographer Gene Cook, and two photographs with the stamp of photographer Louis Melacon on the verso. Included is an announcement of the premiere and an invitation to the play, both on Broadway producer and publicist Barry Hyams letterhead, the latter signed by Hyams in manuscript ink, as well as a production synopsis of the play, listing cast and crew, theatre, and opening and closing dates. Featured in the photographs are Barbara Baxley and Janice Rule, both notable actresses of the 20th century American theatre. A modern take on the biblical story of Noah, "The Flowering Peach" premiered at the Belasco Theatre on December 28, 1954, for a run of 135 performances, closing on April 23, 1955, and featured stars of Yiddish theater Menasha Skulnik and Berta Gersten. Remade as the Broadway musical "Two by Two," in 1970, by Richard Rodgers, Martin Carnin, and Peter Stone, starring Danny Kaye. An unusual play for social realist Clifford Odets, a humorous modern take on the Biblical story of Noah. The last original play produced by the playwright. 8.25 x 10 inches. Some light rippling, one with layout annotations in manuscript wax pencil, else Near Fine. Announcement and invitation on Barry Hyams letterhead, 8.5 x 11 inches. Horizontal creases to both, else Near Fine. Synopsis, 8.5 x 11 inches. Good to Very Good.