Research Catalog

Details

Description

1. 1 lf. (1 box, 1 oversized portfolio)

Summary

1. The Jennie Moscowitz papers span 1907-1943, and consist of personal papers, correspondence, contracts, and both scripts and 'sides' for stage and radio plays. Her background in Yiddish theater is represented only by application forms to a Yiddish acting school. Much of the correspondence consists of fan mail, but there are affectionate notes from broadcaster Mary Margaret McBride, Bella (Mrs. Paul) Muni, and playwright Elmer Rice.

Subject

1. Moscowitz, Jennie, approximately 1868-1953
2. Muni, Bella
3. Rice, Elmer, 1892-1967
4. McBride, Mary Margaret, 1899-1976
5. Actresses > United States
6. Correspondence
7. Theater > United States
8. Theater, Yiddish > United States
9. Contracts

Genre/Form

1. Correspondence.
2. Contracts.

Call number

1. *T-Mss 2001-011

Access (note)

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

Source (note)

1. unknown

Biography (note)

1. Jennie Moscowitz was an actress prominent in Jewish theater circles for decades, initially on the Yiddish speaking stage and later in English language roles.

Processing action (note)

1. Processed

Author

1. Moscowitz, Jennie, approximately 1868-1953.

Title

1. Jennie Moscowitz papers, 1907-1943.

Restricted access

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

Biography

1. Jennie Moscowitz was an actress prominent in Jewish theater circles for decades, initially on the Yiddish speaking stage and later in English language roles. Jennie Moscowitz was born Jennie Silverstein in Jassy, Romania, around 1868 or 1869. She was studying acting by the age of 12, and at 13 was touring Romania and Germany with Sarah Bernhardt in CAMILLE. By 1890 she had come to America, and before long was performing in the Jewish Art Theater, working with Jacob Adler and Bores Thomashefsky. Jennie Moscowitz' first English speaking role was in Israel Zangwill's play THE MELTING POT (1909), with Walker Whiteside. Later, David Belasco cast her in his play THE AUCTIONEER (1920). Other roles included PARTNERS AGAIN (1923), KOSHER KITTY KELLY (1925), Elmer Rice's COUNSELLOR-AT-LAW (1931) with Paul Muni, and EXCURSION (1937). Moscowitz scored a great personal success in the 1943 revival of COUNSELLOR-AT-LAW, in which she and Muni reprised their original roles. She died on July 26, 1953, at the age of 85.

Connect to:

1. Request Access to Theatre Division Special Collections material
2. Finding Aid

Research call number

1. *T-Mss 2001-011