Crouse, Russel

Description

Autograph ID: 6969
Condition: Very good
Description: “(1893-1966) American playwright and librettist, best known for his work on Broadway in partnership with Howard Lindsay. He began his Broadway career in 1928 as an actor in the play “Gentlemen of the Press”. By 1931, however, he turned his attention to writing, penning the book for the musical “The Gang’s All Here”, collaborating with Frank McCoy, Morrie Ryskind, and Oscar Hammerstain II. His first work with long-time partner Howard Lindsay came in 1934, when the two revised the P. G. Wodehouse/Guy Bolton book for the Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes”. They then adapted Clarence Day’s “Life With Father” (starring Lindsay as “Father”) which became one of the longest running Broadway plays. Lindsay and Crouse later became Broadway producers, often acting in that capacity for their own work. They also owned and operated the Hudson Theatre on NYC’s 44th Street. Perhaps their best-known collaboration was on the book for the 1960 Tony Award-winning musical “The Sound of Music” with music by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Their 1946 play “State of the Union” won that year’s Pulitzer Prize for Drama. They also collaborated on “Call Me Madam”, “Happy Hunting”, “Mr. President”, and “The Great Sebastians” (1955). Crouse was a member of The Lambs social club in 1941 and remained a member until his death. Crouse named his actress daughter Lindsay Ann Crouse in tribute to his collaboration with Howard Lindsay.

TLS “Russel” on 10 ½ x 7 ¼ grey, blue-lettered personal letterhead, NYC, October 15 1955, to friend Ralph Block, Washington. Crouse responds to his friend’s request for a “discerning” agent, and recommends Miriam Howell (1899-1972) of NYC, and Block can mention Crouse’s name. He wishes Block good luck with his script and notes he and Lindsay are “up to our necks in rehearsals.” With envelope.

RALPH J. BLOCK (1889-1974) was an American film producer in the 1920s and became a full-time screenwriter in 1930. He is famous for being President of the Screen Writers Guild 1934-35. In 1940 he received an Honorary Academy Award for his dedicated work for the Motion Picture Relief Fund.”
Type: Letter