October 19, 2009

The Magic Curtain by Lawrence Langner - Story of the Theatre Guild


The Magic Curtain is a wonderful book for everyone interested in the theatre!

Written with wit and clarity, and packed with entertaining anecdotes about famous 20th century celebs, it tells the story of the Theatre Guild, one of the best known and most successful producing theatres in America. And no one knew that story better than Langner, who was, after all, the Guild's founder.

Subtitled "The Story of a Life in Two Fields, Theatre and Invention by the Founder of the Theatre Guild," Langner's book was published in New York by E. P. Dutton & Co. in 1951.  This is the Second Printing of the First Edition.

Its 498 pages include 87 black and white photos -- some of them candid snapshots, others promotional production photos -- including major actors and actresses who performed for the Guild, as well as several of Eugene O'Neill and George Bernard Shaw.

There are a number appendices, one of which lists 173 Theatre Guild plays, and a comprehensive index.

The book measures 9-3/8" x 6-3/8" x 1-1/2" and is in very good vintage condition.

Please click here to view The Magic Curtain in my Etsy shop.

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