The Original Anna Sewell Production of the Only Humane Play Black Beauty
N.p. No stated publisher, n.d. [1907]. First edition. Unbound folded sheet. For the Black Beauty collector who has (almost) everything! Announcement for the four-act play "Black Beauty," running for the week of December 23, 1907, at the Worcester Theatre, Worcester, Mass. With three photos of the production--a large center spread and two photos on the back. Folded, ca. 8 x 11 inches. Fair (torn; damp-stained, especially the back cover). Item #30735
The play was promoted by animal humane society founder George T. Angell and dramatized by Justin Adams. Angell had offered $1,000 for the best dramatization of the novel; this play didn't win, but the contest apparently encouraged its production. It opened elsewhere in fall 1907. Black Beauty, Ginger, and Merrylegs were all played by real horses. According to the November 16 review in The Dial, Black Beauty was played by a "splendid, carefully trained animal" that "showed himself letter-perfect in his heart-moving role." "An automobile also figures (ingloriously) in the play." A copy of Black Beauty was given to every reserved matinee seat holder. Sold as is, with a copy of The Dial review. Can be sent outside the US for less than the default shipping rate.
Price: $30.00