Small collection of papers relating mainly to the dramatization of 'David Harum'
From the Bart Auerbach Collection. The group comprises:
1 . a n uncorrected carbon typescript of "David Harum. A Comedy in Four Acts from David Harum A Story of American Life by Edward Noyes Westcott," approximately 100pp. [including cast list, descriptions of "Characters in the Play," and stage directions], 4to, n.p., n.d. [but with the copyright notice dated "1899 by Ripley Hitchcock"], bound in four separate sections (by Acts) in plain gray wrappers (defective) with brass fasteners. With three leaves of holograph inserts (in an unidentified hand) laid-in at the beginning of Act. Ill .
2 . an uncorrected carbon typescript of "David Harum. A Comedy in Three Acts Dramatized from 'David Harum' A Story of American Life by Edward Noyes Westcott. .." , approximately 139pp. [including cast of characters and stage directions], 4to, n.p., n.d., bound in three separate sections (by Acts) in (tattered) gray wrappers imprinted with the seal of "Rosenfield Stenography and Typewriting, 49 West 28th Street . .. New York City," and held together with brass fasteners. The first act has the holograph note on the cover "Dramatized by Martha H. Hitchcock and Ripley Hitchcock" in an unknown hand, which has been corrected by another pen to read "Written by Martha H. Hitchcock and Riley Hitchcock dramatized by Charles Froham[?]." Each front wrapper is inscribed at the top: "Property of Mrs Ripley Hitchcock N.Y. City."
3. a lightly annotated [in pencil in an unknown hand] carbon typescript of "David Harum A Comedy in Three Acts Dramatized from David Harum A Story of American Life by Edward Noyes Westcott. .." , approximately 139pp. [including cast of characters and stage directions], plus a one-page carbon typescript "insert" in the third act, 4to, n.p., n.d. [but with a holograph note on the verso of the title-page: "Copyright 1899 by Ripley Hitchcock], bound in three separate sections (by Acts) in (tattered) gray wrappers imprinted with the seal of "Nash Stenography [and] Typewriting, and held together with brass fasteners. Inscribed in an unidentified hand on the title-page of Act I: "Ripley and M. W. Hitchcock ."
4. a lightly annotated [in pencil in an unidentified hand] carbon types c ript of "David Harum Act Il [only]", approximately 27pp. [including stage directions], 4to, n.p., n.d., bound in (tattered) gray wrappers imprinted with the seal of "Rosenfield Stenography and Typewriting, 49 West 28th Street New York City," and held together by a brass fastener. Accompanied by two large mailing envelopes addressed to Ripley Hitchcock, Jr., postmarked 1938 and 1946, the former inscribed in an unidentified hand: "David Harum' play -- ... . Some of these have 4 chapters & some 3 chapters but the entire story is in both." The later envelope bears the return address of Mrs. J.H. Hammond and is annotated: 'David Harum' play -- 2 sets of play here. "
5. an original black and white theater program for Radio City Music Hall "Showplace of the Nation", 16pp, Volume 11, No. 29, for the "Week Beginning Thursday, March 1, 1934" containing the week's program schedule, number 6 of which is "'David Harum From the Novel by Edward Noyes Westcott Directed by James Cruze for Fox Films," starring Will Rogers as David Harum. Stapled as issued; near-fine .
6. a Mohawk Drama Festival [Schenectady, New York] program for July 12 through 16, 1938, 19pp. featuring a production of "David Harum" with Charles Coburn in the role of David.
7. a photographic portrait [extracted from a book or periodical?] of Edward Noyes Westcott, inscribed in an unidentified hand on the verso: "Author of 'David Harum ' This book was declined by 6 publishers & came to Ripley Hitchcock's desk -- he pronounced it a 'classic' & he changed the book - - taking out 5 chapters - - putting the last part first & the first last & having the love theme strengthened -- it became one of the great American books. He & Martha (his first wife) wrote the play ----."
8. a few insignificant related bits and pieces.
Edward Noyes Westcott (1846-1898), American novelist and banker, born in Syracuse, N.Y. David Harum (published posthumously i n 1898), about a rascally but philosophical banker/horsetrader of Homer, N.Y. (called "Homeville" in the novel) was immensely popular, and remains the work for which Westcott is remembered. The book's million-plus sales prompted Ripley and Martha Hitchcock's 1900 stage version, which ran for three seasons in New York City and another three decades on the road, inspiring two film versions, in 1915 and 1936, the latter with Will Rogers. See the section of "References and Ana" in Westcott's entry of the BAL which cites a 1900 dramatization "by R. and M. W. Hitchcock" of "David Harum" and states: "Not published; a typescript is located at H[arvard]. The play opened at the Garrick Theater, New York, on Oct. 1.1900." Item #409522
Price: $750.00