Movies, Film & Theater
Actors, actresses, Hollywood, Broadway, and more...The listings below are just a sampling of newspaper reporting regarding film and theater. If you don't find your favorite person or event, use our search engine to search for them by name.
Note: Some newspapers shown are of significant events upon which future movies and/or plays were based.
Movies, Film & Theater
Actors, actresses, Hollywood, Broadway, and more...<br />
The listings below are just a sampling of newspaper reporting regarding film and theater. If you don't find your favorite person or event, use our search engine to search for them by name.<br />
Note: Some newspapers shown are of significant events upon which future movies and/or plays were based.
William Desmond Taylor murder mystery continues.......
Item #618341
December 22, 1929
THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 22, 1929
* re. William Desmond Taylor murder
* Irish-American Hollywood actor and director
The front page has one column headings: "SAYS ACTRESS MURDERED TAYLOR" "Ex-Governor Richardson of California Asserts Efforts to Try Her Were Blocked" and more. (see) This murder is still unsolved to this day.
Other news, sports and advertisements of th... See More
George S. Patton assigned to Europe...
Item #616766
April 22, 1944
THE NEW YORK TIMES, April 22, 1944
* General George S. Patton reassigned
* European theater of war
This 26 page newspaper has one column headline on the front page: "PATTON GETS POST LINKED TO INVASION" and "General Arrives in Britain--Command Not Specified by Assault Role IS Indicated" Report continues on page 3 with photo of Patton with caption: &qu... See More
Death of famed actor Humphrey Bogart...
Item #615139
January 15, 1957
THE DETROIT FREE PRESS--EXTRA, Jan. 15, 1957 Page 25 has a two column headline: "Bogart Dies Of Cancer" "Move Tough Guy Tells Wife, 'Goodby, Kid' " with a photo of him with his wife, actress Lauren Bacall, and their two children.
Complete in 32 pages, binding stab holes near the spine, very nice condition.
Marilyn Monroe suspended from movie in 1953....
Item #615129
January 26, 1954
THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 26, 1954
* Marilyn Monroe suspended
* "The Girl in Pink Tights" movie
This 48 page newspaper has one column headings on page 21: "MARILYN MONROE FAILS TO REPORT" "Fox Again Puts Star Under Salary Suspension for Missing 'Pink Tights' Call" See photo for 1st report coverage on Monroe being suspended from the movie "The gir... See More
Booth's Theatre closes it's doors...
Item #614194
May 06, 1883
ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, May 6, 1883
* Booth's Theatre closes
* Romeo and Juliet is last performance
* Actress Helena Modjeska
This uncommon Midwestern title has news of the day with many advertisements. The back page has an article headed: "THE NEW YORK STAGE" "Booth's Theater and the Actors Who Played There" "A Financial Failure..."
This ... See More
Be DeBar death...
Item #613608
August 29, 1877
ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, August 29, 1877
* Ben DeBar death
* American actor-manager
* Nice title to have in
This uncommon Midwestern title has news of the day with many advertisements. Page 5 has an article headed: "Ben. De Bar" "Death of the Great Actor and Manager" "Some Account of His Disease and Moments" and more. (see) Lengthy text.
This issu... See More
Actor Edwin Booth advertisement...
Item #612985
April 09, 1873
THE EVANSVILLE JOURNAL, Indiana, April 9, 1873
* Actor Edwin Booth
* Hamlet & Richelieu
This uncommon Midwestern title has news of the day with many advertisements. The front page has an advertisement headed: "OPERA HOUSE....EDWIN BOOTH..." (see) Uncommon to find on the front page.
This issue is not fragile as newsprint back then was made of cotton and linen rags, allowing th... See More
1875 Edwin Booth...
Item #612401
October 31, 1875
THE NEW YORK TIMES, October 31, 1875
* Actor Edwin Booth
* Othello & Richelieu
Page 11 has an advertisement for the Fifth Avenue Theatre title: "EDWIN BOOTH" in bold lettering for his performances in "Richelieu" and "Othello" (see) This ad measures 1 3/4 x 2 1/2 inches.
News of the day with other advertisements. Complete in 12 pages, some margin wear, main... See More
Death of actor Wallace Beery...
Item #610372
April 16, 1949
HERALD EXPRESS, Los Angeles, April 16, 1949
* Wallace Beery - American actor death
* It is BEST to have reports from the city where an event occurred
The banner headline at the very top reads: "WALLACE BEERY, MOVIE VETERAN, DIES SUDDENLY" with subhead: "Heart Attack Kills Star" with a small photo of him. Great to have this report in a newspaper from the home of th... See More
Clark Gable & Carole Lombard marry....
Item #610182
March 30, 1939
THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 30, 1939
* Actor Clark Gable
* Actress Carole Lombard
* Marriage - wedding
Page 19 has one column headings: "Clark Gable Weds Carole Lombard" "Screen Stars Are Married by an Arizona Minister" See image for text here.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day throughout. Rag edition in great condition.... See More
Constance Bennett weds....
Item #608647
April 21, 1941
LOS ANGELES EXAMINER, California, April 21, 1941
* Hollywood wedding
The front page has a nice photo with heading: "Constance Bennett, Gilbert Roland Wed!" with story on page 3.
Nice World War II related headline here as well. (see) Incomplete issue containing all 14 pages of the 1st section of a two section newspaper.... See More
William Niblo death...
Item #608561
August 26, 1878
ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, August 26, 1878
* Niblo's Garden theatre
* William Niblo death
This uncommon Midwestern title has news of the day with many interesting advertisements. Page 2 has an article headed: "Niblo, The Theater-Manager" "The Founder of Niblo's Garden Dies at the Age of Eighty Years...".
Complete in 8 pages, very nice condition.... See More
Seance performed in theater....
Item #608256
July 22, 1875
ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, July 22, 1875
* Medium - seances
* materialized spirit - ghost
This uncommon Midwestern title has news of the day with many interesting advertisements. Page 2 has an article headed: "A Lively Seance" "Spiritualists Brought to Bay in the Boston Theater"
Complete in 8 pages, minor irregularity along spine, nice condition.... See More
Comedian Ed Wynn death...
Item #607873
June 20, 1966
THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Massachusetts, June 20, 1966
* Ed Wynn death
* Vaudeville era comedian
The front page is a two column heading: "Actor Ed Wynn Dies at Age 79" and photo of Wynn. (see) 1st report coverage on the death of American comedian and actor, Ed Wynn.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 30 pages, nice condition.... See More
Fanny Deane Halsey drowning...
Item #607160
June 07, 1859
NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, June 7, 1859
* Actress Fanny Deane Halsey
* New York Harbor drowning death
The front page has an article headed: "The Death Of Fanny Deane Halsey" "Recovery of the Body from the Water Near Fort Hamilton" "Suspicion That She was Murdered" and more. Lengthy text takes over three columns of the front page.
Other news of the day. Comple... See More
Edwin Booth...
Item #606457
November 28, 1876
THE NEW YORK TRIBUNE, November 28, 1876
* Actor Edwin Booth
* The Fool's Revenge - Bertuccio
Page 5 has an article headed: "The Drama--Music" "Edwin Booth As Bertuccio" See images for text here.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, nice condition.
"The Black Cat" movie opening day...
Item #605791
May 18, 1934
THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 18, 1934
* "The Black Cat" opening day ad
* Edgar Allan Poe
Page 27 has a 3 1/2 x 4 inch advertisement for the opening day showing of the movie: "The Black Cat" starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi based on the short story by Edgar Allan Poe (see photos).
News of the day throughout with other interesting advertisements and sports as well. Compl... See More
Adelaide Neilson death....
Item #605729
August 17, 1880
KANSAS CITY DAILY JOURNAL, August 17, 1880
* Adelaide Neilson death
* English stage actress
The front page has one column headings: "NEILSON DEAD" "The Celebrated Juliet Suddenly Expires Among Friends in a Paris Cafe" "She Was Speaking of Her Successes and Her Plans for the Future When Death Came" and more. (see)
Other news of the day with several interestin... See More
Lily Langtry...
Item #605258
May 12, 1883
THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 12, 1883
* Actress Lily Langtry
* Prank backfires
The front page has a small one column heading: "Mrs. Langtry Revenged". See image for brief text. Nice to have in this venerable newspaper title.
Other news of the day throughout. Complete in 8 pages, light browning, minor spine wear, otherwise good. Should be handled with care. ... See More
Niblo's Garden fire disaster...
Item #604714
May 07, 1872
WORCESTER EVENING GAZETTE, Massachusetts, May 7, 1872
* Niblo's Garden fire
* Broadway theatre
This issue has news of the day with several interesting advertisements throughout.
Page 2 has one column headings: "Burning Of Niblo's Garden" "Total Destruction of the Theatre..."
Larger than normal issue measures 26 x 20 inches, complete in 4 pages, a little spine w... See More
Actor Edwin Booth... Montreal, Canada...
Item #603236
May 30, 1857
BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Massachusetts, May 30, 1857
* Actor Edwin Booth
* Sumo Wrestling
* Montreal, Canada
This title was formatted much like the more popular "Harper's Weekly" being tabloid-size with several pages of prints. This title actually precedes Harper's, which did not begin publication until 1857. Within this issue are prints
... See More
* Actor Edwin Booth
* Sumo Wrestling
* Montreal, Canada
This title was formatted much like the more popular "Harper's Weekly" being tabloid-size with several pages of prints. This title actually precedes Harper's, which did not begin publication until 1857. Within this issue are prints
Two of the best Kennedy assassination issues to be had....
Item #602952
November 23, 1963
(2) Here is a terrific pair of issues Nov. 23 & 25, 1963) on the assassination of John F. Kennedy from the city where it happened. Both issues are THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS from Texas.
Note: While we do offer each of these issues as stand-alone items, purchasing them as a set will enable you to take advantage of a discounted price.
You get the November 23, 1963 edition with a first report ... See More
Edwin Booth's Theatre to be built...
Item #602377
August 19, 1867
THE NEW YORK TIMES, August 19, 1867
* Edwin Booth's Theatre
The back page has a small one column heading: "Edwin Booth's New Theatre--Description of the Building" See images for text here. Nice to have in this famous NYC title.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, minor foxing, nice condition.
Lilian Adelaide Neilson......
Item #602085
November 13, 1872
THE WORLD, New York City, November 13, 1872
* Lilian Adelaide Neilson
* English state actress
Page 2 has a small one column heading: "Lilian Adelaide Neilson" See images for text.
Other news and advertisements of the day. Complete in 8 pages, a little spine wear, otherwise nice.
Actor Edwin Booth murder attempt......
Item #601895
April 24, 1879
THE NEW YORK TIMES, April 24, 1879
* Actor Edwin Booth
* Attempted assassination (1st report)
* Mark Gray
This 8 page issue has news of the day with several interesting advertisements throughout.
The front page has one column headings: "TRYING TO KILL MR. BOOTH" "A Starting Scene At M'Vicker's Theatre" "two Shots Fired At Edwin Booth During The Last Act of... See More
Edwin Booth's Theatre sold...
Item #601621
December 23, 1881
THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 23, 1881
* Actor Edwin Booth
* Manhattan Theatre sold (1st report)
* Best title to have
Page 5 has one column headlines: "BOOTH'S THEATRE SOLD" "The Play-House To Be Made A Dry Good Store" and more. See images for text here. Great to have in this famous NYC title.
wikipedia notes: On December 33, 1881, a headline in the New York Times... See More
Edwin Booth interview...
Item #601434
August 18, 1875
THE CLEVELAND LEADER, Cleveland, Ohio, August 18, 1875
* Actor Edwin Booth
* Horse carriage accident (1st report)
* Ku Klux Klan in the South
This uncommon 8 page issue has news of the day with several interesting advertisements throughout.
Page 5 has a one column heading: "Edwin Booth Seriously Injured". See image for text.
Complete, a little spine wear, nice condition.... See More
The Great Gatsby world premiere...
Item #601112
May 27, 1977
THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 27, 1977
* The Great Gatsby ad
* World Premiere movie showing
* Robert Redford & Mia Farrow
This newspaper has a significant & historic advertisement for the movie "The Great Gatsby" on page 35. This advertisement is in the issue when the movie made it's premiere in New York City for a great addition for any movie memorabilia collection. This ... See More
Jewish religion...
Item #600493
May 04, 1877
THE CLEVELAND LEADER, Cleveland, Ohio, May 4, 1877
* Russo-Turkish War
* Kars, Ottoman Empire
This uncommon 8 page issue has news of the day with several interesting advertisements throughout.
The front page has one column headings: "The Fight At Kars" and more (see photos). Page 5 has a nice map titled: "A Comprehensive Map Of The Theatre Of War In The East"
Complete,... See More
Early Jerry Lewis... 1949 movie debut...
Item #600333
September 29, 1949
NEW YORK TIMES, September 29, 1949
* Very early Jerry Lewis - Comedian
* Movie debut review
This 60 page newspaper under "The Screen In Review" on page 39 is a movie review: "Jerry Lewis, New Comedian, a Bright Spot in Silly Film, 'My Friend Irma'".
The review, which describes the movie as "a very dopey film", devotes much of its s... See More
Theda Bara death.... Pablo Picasso...
Item #599987
April 08, 1955
THE TIMES-PICAYUNE, New Orleans, April 8, 1955
* Theda Bara death (The Vamp)
* Silent film actress
* Pablo Picasso
Page 22 has one column headings: "SIREN OF SILENT SCREEN EXPIRES" "Theda Bara Cancer Victim, Her Physician Says" 1st report coverage on the death of silent film actress, Theda Bara, known for her femme fatale roles. She is also considered one the earliest s... See More
The 'African Queen' opening day review...
Item #599883
February 21, 1952
THE NEW YORK TIMES, February 21, 1952
* Opening day "The African Queen" movie review
This newspaper has a significant & historic review for the movie "The African Queen" on page 24. This review is from the day after the movie made it's premiere making it a great addition for any movie memorabilia collection. The one column heading reads: "'The African Qu... See More
Theatre Royal fire at Exeter, England...
Item #599481
September 06, 1887
FITCHBURG SENTINIEL, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, September 6, 1887
* Theatre Royal fire disaster (1st report)
* Exeter, England
The Back page has one column headings: "A PLAY-HOUSE CALAMITY" "Burning Of the Theater Royal At Exeter, England" "An Awful Struggle For Escape By The Audience" 1st report coverage of the fire disaster at the Theatre Royal in Exeter, Engl... See More
Jack 'Legs' Diamond shot 5 times...
Item #599251
October 13, 1930
THE BETHLEHEM GLOBE-TIMES, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1930
* Jack 'Legs' Diamond shot 5 times
* New York City Gangster
The front page has one column headlines that include: "JACK DIAMOND, GANGSTER, SHOT IN HOTEL ROOM", "Two Gunmen Invade New York Building--Actress is Questioned"
"Victim Reported Dying" and more. Other news, sp... See More
Death of actress Charlotte Saunders Cushman...
Item #599200
February 19, 1876
THE DAILY JOURNAL, Wilmington, North Carolina, February 19, 1876
* Charlotte Cushman death
* American stage actress
* Parker House Hotel
An uncommon title from the South during the post Civil War reconstruction era. Contains news of the day with many interesting advertisements.
The front page has one column headings that include: "Death at Boston of Charlotte Cushman, the Actress&quo... See More
American actor Tyrone Power death....
Item #599179
November 17, 1958
FITCHBURG SENTINEL, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, November 17, 1958
* Tyrone Power death
* American actor
The front page has a two column headline: "Tyrone Power's Many Roles Didn't Top Adventurous Life" with related photo (see photos). This is 1st report coverage on the death of famed American film and stage actor, Tyrone Power.
Other news, sports and advertiseme... See More
Charlie Chaplin assassination plot ?....
Item #598119
July 25, 1933
WORLD TELEGRAM, New York City, July 25, 1933
* Charlie Caplin murder plot
* Mineichi Koga - Japan
The front page has one column headings: "CHAPLIN MISSED DEATH IN TOKIO", "Japanese Plot to Kill Him to Start War with America Miscarried". 1st report coverage on a plot to assassinate American comedy actor, Charlie Chaplin.
Other news, sports and adverti... See More
Clare Eames death...
Item #598098
November 08, 1930
ALBANY EVENING NEWS, New York, November 8, 1930
* Clare Eames death
* Broadway actress
* Stage director
The front page has one column headlines that include: "CLARE EAMES, FAMED STAGE STAR, IS DEAD", "American Actress Is Stricken in Lindon After Operation" and more (see photos). 1st report coverage on the death of Broadway actress, Clare Eames.
... See More
Babe Ruth adopts two daughters... Frank Nitti...
Item #598095
October 31, 1930
ALBANY EVENING NEWS, New York, October 31, 1930
* Babe Ruth adopts two daughters
* Dorothy Helen Ruth Pirone & Julia Hodgson
* Frank Nitti arrested - Al 'Scarface' Capone
The front page has a three column photo with heading: "Monarch of Swat Adopts Two Princesses" with subheads. 1st report coverage on baseball idol Babe Ruth adopting two daughters, J... See More
Actor Henry Fonda death...
Item #598066
August 13, 1982
THE NEW YORK TIMES, August 13, 1982
* Henry Fonda death (1st report)
* Broadway & Hollywood actor
Near the bottom of the front page is a two column headline that reads: "Henry Fonda Dies on Coast at 77; Played 100 Stage and Screen Roles". with photo of Fonda. Much more on page 12. 1st report coverage on the death of famed Hollywood actor, Henry Fonda. Nice to... See More
1938 Constantin Stanislavski death... theater...
Item #598055
August 08, 1938
THE NEW YORK TIMES, August 8, 1938
* Constantin Stanislavski death
* Russian actor, theater director
This 30 page newspaper has one column headings on page 13 that include: "STANISLAVSKY DIES IN MOSCOW AT 75", "Co-founder of the Moscow Art Theater One of the Greatest Masters of Russian Drama", "Was Actor, Producer, Teacher, Philosopher of Theatre--... See More
Fatty Arbuckle.... Virginia Rappe murder...
Item #597833
September 15, 1921
THE DETROIT NEWS, Michigan, September 15, 1921
* Actress Virginia Rappe
* Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle indicted
The front page has one column headlines: "$100,000 READY TO BAIL FATTY", "Manslaughter Trail Expected, Although Prosecutor Has Not Yet Decided", "Indictment Is Up Today".
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day through... See More
Actor Henry Irving as Hamlet...
Item #597786
December 05, 1883
THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 5, 1883
* Actor Henry Irving
* The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
The front page has one column headings: "HENRY IRVING AS HAMLET" "His First Appearance In Shakespeare's Masterpiece" and more. See images for text here.
This issue contains other news of the day throughout. It is complete in 8 pages, and has light browning and mino... See More
Actor Edwin Booth has a stroke ?...
Item #597678
April 04, 1889
KANSAS CITY JOURNAL, April 4, 1889
* Edwin Booth has a stroke ?
* American actor - John Wilkes brother
The front page has one column headlines: "BOOTH TOO ILL TO APPEAR"and "He Breaks Down In The Performance Of 'Othello'"
See photos for text here. Other news and advertisements of the day. Complete in 8 pages, light browning, very minor margin... See More
Fatty Arbuckle.... Virginia Rappe murder...
Item #597564
September 14, 1921
THE DETROIT NEWS, Michigan, September 14, 1921
* Actress Virginia Rappe
* Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle indicted
The front page has one column headlines: "FATTY INDICTED; MANSLAUGHTER", "Murder Charge in Justice's Court Blocks Chance To Get Bail", and "Missing Witness Found".
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in ... See More
Knickerbocker storm...
Item #597423
January 31, 1922
THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 31, 1922
* Knickerbocker storm (blizzard)
* Washington D.C. theater collapse disaster
The front page has one column headlines that include: "THEATRE WRECK INQUIRIES STARTED; "SENATE WILL ACT", "District of Columbia Experts and Grand Jury View the Knickerbocker Ruins" and more.
Other news of the day. Complete in 34 pages,... See More
Knickerbocker storm...
Item #597422
January 30, 1922
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, January 30, 1922
* Knickerbocker storm (blizzard)
* Washington D.C. theater collapse disaster
The front page has a nice banner headline: "112 Dead, 134 Injured in Theater Crash; Washington Rescuers Seeking More Victims" with subheads, related photo and list of the dead & injured. 1st report coverage on the Knickerbocker Theater disaster.
... See More
Coconut Grove Club fire... Boston...
Item #597244
November 29, 1942
THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, Michigan, November 29, 1942
* Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire (early 1st report)
* Worst nightclub disaster in U.S. history
* 492 would be the total dead
The front page has a small one column heading: "Boston Fights 5-Alarm Fire; Many Trapped". This is actually a very early 1st report coverage on the Cocoanut Grove nightclub di... See More
News from the Revolutionary War...
Item #597077
May 24, 1777
EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 24, 1777 Page 2 has a few reports concerning the Revolutionary War including: "From Connecticut that the jail in that colony are filled with loyal Americans who are treated in the most barbarous manner. Some are chained on their backs to the floor & others so loaded with irons that they can hardly walk...General Lee has a good room in New Yor... See More
Go West, young man...
Item #596170
July 13, 1865
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, July 13, 1865
* Horace Greeley & go west, young man
There has been some dispute, however general consensus is that Horace Greeley was the first to use the oft-cited phrase "Go West, young man...". There are many, many citations on the internet that Greeley used this phrase in his July 13, 1865 editorial. Here is the Tribune of that date and I've scou... See More
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.
An Inside Look
Timothy Hughes Rare &
Early Newspapers…
A special thank you goes out
to the staff of WGRC!
to the staff of WGRC!
History's Newsstand Blog
- The June, 2025 Newsletter from Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers…
- Where game history, moral philosophy, and educational theory collide…
- Does anyone know about this obscure Thomas Nast print from 1877?
- The reason I collected it: the perfect logo for the company…
Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
