archives.nypl.org -- Lawrence Langner papers (original) (raw)

The Lawrence LangnerPapers include scripts by Langner and others, and speeches, articles and miscellaneous writings by Langner. The collection contains over 30 scripts by Langner, and several adaptations by him. Many of the scripts are annotated, and a few include related material including programs, light plots, and prompt books. Langner's writings and speeches include memorial addresses for Ferenc Molnar and Joan McCracken, seminars on playwriting, and works on the future of the theatre, morals in mass media, and some material relating to his interest in inventions and patent law.

The Lawrence Langner papers are arranged in four series:

• 1915-1958
  2 linear feet (5 boxes)
  Scripts make up the bulk of the Langner Papers. Most of the scripts are by Langner, alone or with his wife, Armina Marshall. There are also scripts on which Langner collaborated with other playwrights such as Philip Bartholomae and Guy Bolton. Most of the plays are in typescript form, but a few are included in published editions. Many scripts are annotated and some also include light plots, programs or prompt books.
• ca. 1956-1963
  17 folders
  Langner's writings include articles for Playbill, Variety and Theatre Magazine. The articles are arranged chronologically. The series contains both typescript and published articles, and also a few business letters relating to arrangements for publication.
• 1931-1962
  15 folders
  Speeches include typescript copies of various addresses made by Langner. The earliest among them are two Commencement programs for the American Academy for Dramatic Arts for 1931 and 1949. Other speeches include Langner's memorial address at the funeral of Ferenc Molnar in 1952, and transcripts of a series of seminars on playwriting given at the Westport Country Playhouse in 1957.
• ca. 1926-1969
  6 folders
  This series includes a letter and memos written by Langner, which relate to the Theatre Guild. The letter dated 1926, is over 20 small handwritten pages to the Board and managers of the Theatre Guild. Two memos address the Theatre Guild's response to O'Neill's Strange Interlude being banned in Boston in 1929.