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Frank Wilstach papers on Sothern and Marlowe, 1900-1933.

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Creator

Wilstach, Frank Jenners, 1865-1933.

Location

Billy Rose Theatre Division

Extent

  • .75 lin. ft. (2 boxes and 1 volume)

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Library policy on photography and photocopying will apply. Advance notice may be required.

Scope/Contents Note

Collection consists of correspondence, mostly letters by Sothern to Wilstach, press releases by Wilstach on Sothernand Marlowe, articles and drafts by Sothern or Marlowe andclippings about them. The collection sheds light on the theatrical careers of the husband and wife team of Sothern and Marlowe and documents the work of their press agent, Frank J. Wilstach.

Biographical/Historical Notes

Frank Jeffords Wilstach, American theatrical manager and press agent, was the press representative for Sothern and Marlowe. Born in Indiana, he was the author of THE DICTIONARY OF SIMILES, 1916, and wrote a book and articlesabout Wild Bill Hickok.

E. H. Sothern, one of the great Shakespearean actors of his day, was born in New Orleans, educated in England and made his New York debut in 1879. The pinnacle of his career was perhaps his ROMEO AND JULIET with his second wife, Julia Marlowe. He continued to act after she retired in 1924. His first wife was Virginia Harned.

Julia Marlowe, leading American actress in the early 20th century, was born Sarah Frances Frost in England but came to the United States at the age of four. She first appeared as a child under the name Fanny Brough in HMS PINAFORE in 1878 and made her New York debut in 1887. Shehad a long career as a leading actress in Shakespeare and comedies and toured with her husband E. H. Sothern whom she married in 1904. She retired from the stage in 1915, but made a comeback before retiring again in 1924.

Controlled Access Terms

  • Marlowe, Julia, 1865-1950.
  • Sothern, E. H. (Edward Hugh), 1859-1933.
  • Actors -- United States.
  • Theatrical managers.
  • Press releases.
  • Press agents.

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