Description
Theatre Mart, Ltd. [Published date: 1950]. Paper covers (Souvenir program), [16] pp. (unpaginated).
Rare, out-of-print & unusual books · Since 1997
114
![[Souvenir Program] A Souvenir of "The Drunkard" and "The Wayward Way" produced by Mildred Isle, playing continuously since July 6, 1933, photograph 1 of 14](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fepilonian.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com%2F20240731014%2F20240731014_001.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
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Catalog notes
Condition & notes
In good condition. Pink, grey and black paper covers have light bumping and creasing to edges and corners and light overall rubbing and soiling. Interior pages lightly aged but clean and unmarked. NOT Ex-library. Black and white illustrations throughout. Contents include: Every Night a First Night by Zan Joyce Thompson ; Cast list and photos : Marie Du Val, Ralph Neff, Michaela Grey, Henry Reid, Meurisse Helm, Woodie Wilson, George Stuart, Frank Herman, Glenn Turnbull, Virginia Barbour, John Fletcher, Angus White, Paula Teagarden, Neely Edwards, James Bronte, neva Sebert, John Culwell, Joseph Carney; Olio photos ; 1 For All and all for Fun : Being an Historical Account of "the longest run play in history of the theatre."; A page from the Theatre Mart Guest Book (includes pictures of Mary Pickford, Edward G. Robinson, Harold Lloyd, Irene Dunne, Ginger Rogers, Janet Gaynor, Bing Crosby, Edward Arnold, Jack Benny, Dick Powel, Bob Hope, Joan Crawford, Ann Harding, Billie Burge, Jimmy Durante, Lily Pons, Boris Karloff, James Gleason, Mary Astor, Constance Collier. "The Drunkard," a melodrama written by W.H. Smith in 1844 promoting the temperance movement, found unprecedented success at Los Angeles' Theatre Mart after its reopening in 1933. Originally intended to be part of a season of classics, the play's popularity led to its exclusive run, beginning on July 6, 1933, and continuing until October 17, 1959, totaling 9,477 performances over 36 years - a world record at the time. The immersive experience included not only the play but also an olio, a buffet with beer, sandwiches, and pretzels. Hollywood stars such as Boris Karloff, John Barrymore, and W.C. Fields, who incorporated the production into his 1934 film "The Old Fashioned Way," frequented the theater, adding to its appeal. The show supported a cast, crew, and staff of about 55 people, many of whom remained for decades, with numerous marriages resulting from their involvement. This remarkable run highlighted Theatre Mart's innovative approach to theater, combining social messages with entertainment, and securing its place in cultural history.