Item Details
Autograph photographic album of "Lady Rita Olcott" [Wife of Chauncey Olcott (1860-1932)] of The Rivals players.
New York, [Buffalo]: [circa 1924-1925]. Unique. Hardcover. George C. Tyler's touring production of "The Rivals." Autograph and photograph collection album, includes, tipped in silver gelatin photographs. The inscriptions and autographs are on sepia toned gelatin prints photographs; inscriptions from the performers to Rita Olcott. Inscription and autographs including cast: Thomas A. Wise, Lola Fisher, James T. Powers, Fred Eric, Chauncey Olcott, Percival Vivian, May Collins, George Tawde, Walter Woodall and "Sir Anthony Absolute," dated December 25, 1924. "The Rivals, comedy in five acts by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, produced and published in 1775. The original play stars Sir Anthony Absolute, fictional character, the father of Captain Jack Absolute and with him a protagonist of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s comic play The Rivals (1775). Sir Anthony is a wealthy aristocrat, and so his son masquerades as the penniless Ensign Beverley in order to court Lydia Languish, who has romantic notions of marrying a poor man. When Sir Anthony attempts on his own to arrange a marriage between Jack and Lydia, Jack’s true identity is revealed to Lydia. She initially rejects him because of his deceit, but she eventually accepts him." On October 30, 1925, while playing the role of Sir Lucius O’Trigger in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The Rivals, Olcott fell ill and wasn’t expected to survive. He eventually recovered, but it was the last time he appeared on stage. Almost seven years later, Chauncey finally succumbed to his chronic bout with pernicious anemia at his Monaco villa in the early hours of March 18, 1932. In 1897, Chauncey married Rita O'Donovan from San Francisco, a fellow enthusiast. They collaborated on many plays, she was the inspiration for the song that Chauncey wrote, "My Wild Irish Rose." She wrote a biography, "Song in Her Heart" about her and Chauncey's life which was made into a film, "My Wild Irish Rose." Wonderful example of an early 20th century performers dedication album. More biographical information at: https://www.wnyheritage.org/content/chauncey_olcott_buffalos_golden-tongued_tenor/index.html. Very Good+. Textured black leather binding, with ribbon ties. Large oblong, np. Illus. (b/w plates). Signed by performers with inscriptions. Rubbing to boards, shelf/edge wear, else tight, bright, and unmarred. 13 leaves of sepia toned gelatin prints on black paper (most blank). 13-1/2x10-1/2" prints. Item #11454
Price: $1,500.00