Emlyn Williams papers, 1941-1986

Links

• View catalog record

Creator

Williams, Emlyn, 1905-

Location

Billy Rose Theatre Division

Extent

• .25 lin. ft. (1 box).

Access Restrictions

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

Scope/Contents Note

The Emlyn Williams papers consist of correspondence, clippings, photographs, and various materials relating to the one-person show in which Williams portrayed Charles Dickens. The material relating to Williams' Dickens impersonation dates back to his earliest appearances in the role in 1951, and includes numerous playbills, clippings, press releases, and other documents. Most of the correspondence in this collection is with Robert Crawley and pertains to a proposed film version of Williams' novel HEADLONG. After Williams' death the film was eventually produced under the title KING RALPH (1991),starring John Goodman.

Biographical/Historical Note

Emlyn Williams was an actor, director, novelist, essayist,and playwright best known for NIGHT MUST FALL and THE CORNIS GREEN. Born in 1905 in Mostyn, Flintshire, Wales, where most of his family and friends mined coal, Emlyn Williams was inspired by a sympathetic teacher to pursue atheatrical and literary career. He acted in many plays andfilms, and also directed the movie THE LAST DAYS OF DOLWYN(1949) which marked the film debut of his fellow Welshman Richard Burton. From the early 1950s onward Williams toured in a one-person show in which he portrayed Charles Dickens. In his last years Williams was involved in setting up a film version of his novel HEADLONG. Emlyn Williams died on Sep. 25, 1987, at the age of 81.

Controlled Access Terms

• Williams, Emlyn, 1905-1987.
• Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 -- Drama.
• King Ralph (Motion Picture)
• Theater -- United States.
• Motion pictures -- United States.

Additional Creator Name

• Crawley, Robert.