Flo Ziegfeld - Billie Burke papers, 1907-1984

The Flo Ziegfeld-Billie Burke papers span 1907-1984, and consist of stage, radio, and film scripts, and a relatively small amount of clippings, photographs, and business papers. The emphasis in the collection is on Burke, covering her career from the time she first went onthe stage in the early years of the twentieth century until her retirement, only superficially covering that portion of Ziegfeld's life and career after he and Burke were married in 1914 until his death in 1932. Although there are scripts and clippings included that represent Ziegfeld productions, most of them concern Burke's career as a stage actress and, later, as a radio and film actress. The business papers are especially noteworthy in that several contracts between Ziegfeld and producers suchas A.L. Erlanger are included, in addition to financial records of some of the Ziegfeld productions. Burke's career in radio is well documented with a number of scripts covering her guest appearances on shows starring Eddie Cantor, Milton Berle, Bob Hope, Rudy Vallee, and others. There are three drafts of the screenplay for MGM's1936 film biography THE GREAT ZIEGFELD, in which Burke wasportrayed by Myrna Loy. There are also photographs of Burke, and other performers associated with Ziegfeld, including Fanny Brice, Leon Errol, and various show girls.