Schaffner, Caroline 1974-08-26
Caroline Schaffner discusses repertory theater, the Harley Sadler Tent Show, and her and her husband Neil’s career in show business.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Caroline Schaffner
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: August 26, 1974
Location: Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Interviewer: Suzanne Ricker and Clifford Ashby
Length: 2 hours 15 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: "Rep" vs. "Toby" shows,
Harley Sadler Show,
Similarities between Harley Sadler and Neil Schaffner, husband,
Neil Schaffner as a playwright,
Leased to Harley Sadler,
Copyrights,
Paul English Show (Louisiana),
Rep shows,
"East Lynne",
"The Drunkard",
"Saintly Hypocrites and Honest Sinners",
Copyrights (again),
"200 Years of American Repertoire",
Bicentennial effort by Schaffner museum,
Theatrical glass,
"Saintly Hypocrites and Honest Sinners",
"Toby" shows,
Henry and Fred Brunk,
Gail Easton,
Schaffner Players,
Beginning (October 10, 1925),
Show in 1970s,
Vignettes,
Changes,
Tab Shows,
Shaffner Players.
Tape 1, Side 2: Neil Schaffner as playwright (again),
J. Doug Morgan show,
Joe McKennon,
Tent expert,
Marion McKennon, wife,
Film "Actor, U.S.A.",
Ford Foundation Documentary on Schaffner Players,
"Toby in the Tall Corn",
Value of film,
Death of son,
Playwrights,
Charles Harrison,
Old Bob Sherman,
Young Bob Sherman,
Circle Stop shows,
Lincoln Center Theatre research,
Paul Meyers,
Lack of material,
Work on Schaffner museum,
George Eels,
Research on Rep shows,
Bulletins,
Dale Kittel,
Dissertation on Will and Caroline Schaffner,
Dr. McDowe.
Tape 2, Side 1: Leading ladies,
Ruth Slav,
Sally Ketchum (clothing),
Program for university drama students,
Support for museum,
Playwrights,
Neil Schaffner,
Harley Sadler,
Transportation of baggage on the shows,
Performers stayed at hotels,
Depression (1930s),
Effects on the shows,
Sadler’s show business career (1917-1947),
Bulletins,
Weekly magazine,
Performers dress code,
Rep shows,
Opera houses,
Importance of museum,
Erman Gray,
Worked on tent shows,
Museum location,
Iowa,
Base for many Rep shows,
"Opera House Reporter",
Largest civic studio (1900),
Equity conditions,
Office in Kansas City, Missouri,
Liberty lists,
Theatrical agents.
Tape 2, Side 2: Al Pitcaithley,
Worked on many tent shows,
Rozier Show,
Creamery Players,
Revival of melodrama,
Professor Lewyn Goth,
Iowa State University,
Performers on Sadler Show,
Background information,
Candy boxes from show,
Show boats,
Harley Sadler,
Career,
Rotary Club.
Range Dates: 1917-1974
Bulk Dates: 1917-1947
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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