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.
Glen Cinema disaster, Scotland...
Item #580334
December 31, 1929
MEMPHIS EVENING APPEAL, Memphis, Tennessee, December 31, 1929
* Glen Cinema disaster
* Paisley, Scotland
* Early same day, 1st report
This 16 page newspaper has a nice six column headline on the front page: "SCORES OF CHILDREN AMONG 72 DEAD IN THEATER FIRE PANIC" with subheads. Nice to have this report on the front page and very unusual for such a nice headline here as well. Nic... See More
Knute Rockne sidelined as coach... World Series...
Item #580196
October 11, 1929
THE NEW YORK TIMES, October 11, 1929 This 64 page newspaper has a two column headline on page 39: "Rockne Ill at Home as Notre Dame Team Leaves for Navy; Has Nebraska as Guest". Was this the beginning of his leg problem which lead to him coaching his final year in a wheel chair ?
Also a interesting advertisement on page 37 for the movie: "They Had To See Paris" which w... See More
The death of actor John Barrymore...
Item #579952
May 31, 1942
THE SUNDAY STAR-NEWS, Wilmington, North Carolina, May 31, 1942
* John Barrymore death (1st report)
* Hollywood movie actor
This 20 page newspaper has one column headlines on page 7: "JOHN BARRYMORE DIES IN HOSPITAL" and "Famous Actor Succumbs At Age Of 60 Following 11-Day Illness" with a photo of Barrymore (see photos).
Other news of the day. Light browning with littl... See More
Item #579810
November 24, 1860
THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, London, England, November 24, 1860 The front cover is entitled "Departure of the Prince of Wales from Portland, United States, for England". Within the issue is a fullpage "Sale at Calcutta of Valuable Government Presents and Lucknow Jewels"; doublepage "Grand Ball Given at the Academy of Music, New York, in Honour of His Royal Highness t... See More
Gen. George C. Marshall... "Goofy" plays hockey...
Item #579808
November 11, 1945
PARADE MAGAZINE (THE DETROIT FREE PRESS), Detroit, Michigan, November 11, 1945 The front colored cover features a photo of General George C. Marshall, General of the Army. Within the issue is an article about him with additional photos. "Ice Hockey a la Goofy" includes seven illustrations from Walt Disney's "Hockey Homicide. Additional articles "Sing Lay Dum - Victory Is ... See More
Gerhard Zucker.... Rocket mail....
Item #579344
October 31, 1934
THE NEW YORK TIMES, October 31, 1934
* Gerhard Zucker - German engineer
* Early rocket mail testing
This 40 page newspaper has a small one column heading on page 2:
"Rocket Transports Mail In a Test Near Trieste" which tells of Gerhard Zucker experimenting with rocket mail. See photo for brief text here.
Other news of the day throughout including period advertising. This rag ... See More
Hermann Oberth... early rockets...
Item #579122
February 09, 1930
THE NEW YORK TIMES, February 9, 1930
* Hermann Oberth
* Early rockets - rocketry
* Space travel ? moon ?
This 60+ page newspaper has small one column headings on page E2 (inside): "'Moon Rocket' Stays Down", "Professor Oberth Halts Work When Movie Fund Gives Out".
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day throughout. Minor spine wear, otherwise nice.
... See More
Gertrude Ederle swims English Channel...
Item #578722
August 08, 1926
THE OMAHA SUNDAY BEE, August 7, 1926, August 8, 1926
* Gertrude Ederle
* 1st woman to swim English Channel
This 10 page newspaper has two headlines on the front page that include: ""Trudy" Gives Party; Yes, With Champagne" and more (see photos).
Other news of the day including period advertising. Usual browning, minor margin wear, otherwise in good condition.
wikip... See More
Al Jolson's death in 1950....
Item #578497
October 27, 1950
THE NEW YORK TIMES, October 27, 1950
* Al Jolson death report & funeral
* "The Jazz Singer" fame
This 54 page newspaper has one column headlines on page 30 that include: "THOUSANDS MOURN JOLSON ON COAST", "Jessel in Tribute at Temple in Hollywood Calls Singer Inspiration to U.S. Jewry". Nice to have in this famous NYC title. Other news of the day throughou... See More
Al Jolson's "Mammy" World preimiere....
Item #578413
March 25, 1930
THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 25, 1930
* Al Jolson's "Mammy"
* World Premiere ad
* Blackface Minstrel
This 60 page newspaper has a nice 14 1/2 x 6 inch advertisement for the world premiere of Al Jolson's new movie "Mammy". See photos for this ad which is on page 35 and has three illustrations relating to his famous "blackface" appearance.
With this movi... See More
On the 1929 Founding of television...
Item #578219
August 20, 1929
THE NEW YORK TIMES, August 20, 1929
* John Baird - father of television
* TV in it's infancy - inventions
This 56 page newspaper has a two column headline on page 5: "Television Transmits British Talking Film; Actor's Voice Is Clearer Than in Theatre".
Very significant reporting during the founding of television, an invention which would change not only the worlds of e... See More
Black Dahlia murders continue.......
Item #578100
May 13, 1947
THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 13, 1947
* Black Dahlia murders
* Elizabeth Short
* Hollywood - Los Angeles CA
This 52 page newspaper has one column headlines on page 22: "MOTHER OF 3 SLAIN NEAR LOS ANGELES", "Murder of Fifth of Kind in the Area This Year--Man Is Held in Previous Case" which tells of more similar murders taking place in Los Angeles, California shortly after Eli... See More
Actress Judy Tyler killed... Elvis Presley co-star...
Item #578015
July 05, 1957
THE DETROIT NEWS, Michigan, July 5, 1957
* Actress Judy Tyler car crash death
* Elvis Presley co-star
This 44 page newspaper has a two column headline on page 3: "Presley Weeps at News of Starlet's Auto death" with smaller subheads and small photo (see photos).
Tells of the death of Hollywood actress Judy Tyler. She was made famous for co-starring with Elvis Presley in the... See More
1935 Marx Brothers movie ad.....
Item #576610
December 13, 1935
LEOMINSTER DAILY ENTERPRISE, Massachusetts, December 13, 1935
* A Night at the Opera movie ad
* Groucho - Chico - Harpo
* Marx Brothers
This 12 page newspaper has a 6 x 5 inch movie advertisement on the back page for: "A Night at the Opera" starring the Marx Brothers. (see photos) Also a related photo on the same page with brief text underneath (see photos).
News of the day wi... See More
William Desmond Taylor murder...
Item #576608
February 02, 1922
THE DAY, New London, Connecticut, February 2, 1922
* William Desmond Taylor shot dead
This 14 page newspaper has a one column headline on the front page: "THINK DIRECTOR OF MOVIES MURDERED". The report tells of the murder of famed actor and director William Desmond Taylor which is still unsolved till this day. This is a early first report, giving the reason for the small art... See More
Theatre fire in Brockton, Massachusetts...
Item #576338
March 11, 1941
WILMINGTON MORNING STAR, Wilmington, North Carolina, March 11, 1941
* Strand Theatre fire
* Firemen disaster
* Brockton MA Massachusetts
This 12 page newspaper has one column headlines on page 4: "12 FIREMEN DIE IN THEATRE FIRE" and "Twenty-Eight Others Injured Battling Flames At Brockton, Mass." This tells of the Strand Theatre fire in Brockton, Massachusetts. Nice to ... See More
1938 Florence Lawrence death...
Item #576035
December 29, 1938
THE FREDERICK POST, Maryland, December 29, 1938
* Florence Lawrence death
* Silent film actress
* 1st ever movie star?
This 8 page newspaper has one column headings on the front page: "STAR OF SILENT FILMS TAKES POISON, DIES" "Florence Lawrence, Once Co-Starred With Mary Pickford, Had Been In Stock Company"
Tells of the death of this famous ac... See More
Opening day of first Tarzan movie...
Item #575968
January 30, 1918
THE WORLD, New York City, January 30, 1918
* 1st week of landmark film "Tarzan Of The Apes"
A rare opportunity for the complete newspaper which contains within the advertisement for the first Tarzan movie ever made, "Tarzan of the Apes".
This is the complete newspaper with the advertisement (ad measures 6 by 4 inches) on the back page promoting the movie.
A fi... See More
Death of famous actor Lon Chaney...
Item #575903
August 27, 1930
THE WORLD, New York, August 27, 1930
* Death of actor Lon Chaney
* "Man of a Thousand Faces"
The front page has a one column head noting; "Lon Chaney Dies; Wife At Bedside" with related subheads (see). The report carries over to page 5 where there is a photo of him.
Wikipedia notes: "Lon Chaney, nicknamed "The Man of a Thousand Faces,"... See More
Bing Crosby... Grace Kelly... Frank Sinatra...
Item #575300
July 06, 1956
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, New York, July 6, 1956
* Rare movie & film publication
A trade magazine specific to the movie industry. All of pg. 3 is taken up with a promotion ad for the movie "High Society" starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly & Frank Sinatra (see). Complete in eight pages, 9 by 12 inches, printed on glossy paper, tiny binding holes at the blank spine margin, n... See More
Actress Mary Pickford...
Item #575203
January 11, 1935
TOLEDO BLADE, Ohio, January 11, 1935
* Actress Mary Pickford - Divorce
* Actor Douglas Fairbanks
This 34 page newspaper has a one column headline on the front page:
"MARY PICKFORD WINS DIVORCE" "Doug, in St. Moritz With Lady Ashley, Does Not Contest Suit" with photo of Pickford. (see)
Other news of the day throughout. Never bound, in good condition.... See More
John Dillinger's 1st big score...
Item #575190
September 29, 1933
THE WASHINGTON OBSERVE, Pennsylvania, September 29, 1933
* John Dillinger 1st major hit
* George Machine Gun Kelly and wife captured
This 20 page newspaper has one column headlines on the front page that include: "CONVICTS STILL AVOID CAPTURE", "Indiana State Police Continue Intensive Search for 10 Who Escape...."and more.
Tells of the famous jail break at Mich... See More
Carole Lombard Killed in 1942...
Item #575174
January 19, 1942
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR, Boston, Massachusetts, January 19, 1942
* Hollywood Actress Carole Lombard dies in plane crash
This 14 page newspaper has a one column headline on page 7: "Carole Lombard's War Work Praised By Treasury Head"
Other news of the day throughout. Good condition.
wikipedia notes: When the US entered World War II at the end of 1941, Lo
... See More
* Hollywood Actress Carole Lombard dies in plane crash
This 14 page newspaper has a one column headline on page 7: "Carole Lombard's War Work Praised By Treasury Head"
Other news of the day throughout. Good condition.
wikipedia notes: When the US entered World War II at the end of 1941, Lo
Ernie Kovacs killed on car crash...
Item #574835
January 13, 1962
LEOMINSTER DAILY ENTERPRISE, Massachusetts, January 13, 1962
* Ernie Kovacs killed (1st report)
* Famous comedian actor
This 8 page newspaper has a one column headline on the front page: "Kovacs Killed In Car Crash". Tells of the death of famed comedian Ernie Kovacs.
Other news of the day. The paper is in good condition.
wikipedia notes: Ernie Kovacs was killed in an a... See More
1935 G-Man Melvin Purvis resigns...
Item #574749
July 12, 1935
LEOMINSTER DAILY ENTERPRISE, Massachusetts, July 12, 1935
* Melvin Purvis resigns (1st report)
* FBI agent - G-Man
This 8 page newspaper has a small one column headline on the front page: "Melvin Purvis Resigns from Dep't of Justice"
Tells of the resignation of famous G-Man head Melvin Purvis.
Other news of the day. A few tiny binding holes along the spi... See More
Marilyn Monroe divorces DiMaggio...
Item #574593
October 27, 1954
THE RUSSELL DAILY NEWS, Russell, Kansas, October 27, 1954
* Marilyn Monroe
* Joe DiMaggio
* Divorce
This 8 page newspaper has a two column headline near the bottom of the front page: "Free Marilyn Says Joe Treated Her 'Coldly'" which tells of the divorce between Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio. See photos for complete text.
Other news and advertisements of the day thro... See More
Babe Ruth gets married...
Item #574381
April 17, 1929
CHRONICLE AND NEWS, Allentown, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1929
* Babe Ruth & Claire Hodgson marry (1st report)
* New York Yankees star
This 24 page newspaper has a two column photo on the front page with caption: "Meet Mr. and Mrs. Babe Ruth" with some text.
Also a nice banner headline on page 10 that reads: "Babe Ruth Married to Former Actress in Dawn Ceremony in New Yo... See More
1929 actress Lily Langtry death...
Item #573955
February 12, 1929
CHRONICLE AND NEWS, Allentown, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1929
* Lily Langtry death
* British actress "Jersey Lily"
This 22 page newspaper has one column headlines near the bottom of the front page: "LILY LANGTRY, ONE TIME NOTED ACTRESS, DEAD" "'Jersey Lily' Passed Away at Monte Carlo Following Attack of Heart Failure"
Tells of the... See More
Rudolph Valentino death...
Item #573878
August 24, 1926
THE COLDWATER DAILY REPORTER, Michigan, August 24, 1926
* Famous movie actor death
* Rudolph Valentino
This 6 page newspaper has one column headlines on the front page:
"MILLIONS PAY LAST TRIBUTE TO DEAD IDOL" and "Crowds Clamor for Last Look at Valentino Remains, Lying in State".
Other news of the day. Usual browning with some margin wear and tear... See More
1957 'Mad Bomber' George Metesky arrested...
Item #573858
January 23, 1957
THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Massachusetts, January 23, 1957
* Mad Bomber George Metesky
* Capture & arrest w/ photo
This 34 page newspaper has a four column headline on the front page: "I'M GLAD I DID IT,' 'BOMBER' STATES" with subheads and famous photo of Metesky behind bars. (see)
Tells of the capture of the New York City 'Mad Bomber', George Metesky.
... See More
Rialto Theatre fire in New Haven CT...
Item #573838
November 28, 1921
THE NEW YORK TIMES, New York, November 28, 1921
* Rialto Theater fire disaster
* New Haven CT Connecticut
This 28 page newspaper has one column headlines on the front page that include: "NEW HAVEN THEATRE BURNS; FIND 4 DEAD; MAY BE 30 VICTIMS", "Blaze Starts on Stage and Sweeps Through Old Structure With Great Rapidity", "80 Burned And Injured", and more (see i... See More
Rudolph Valentino death....
Item #573750
August 24, 1926
FITCHBURG SENTINEL, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, August 24, 1926
* Famous movie actor death
* Rudolph Valentino
This 14 page newspaper has two column headlines on the front page that include: "SCHENCK SAYS VALENTINO DIED VIRTUALLY PENNILESS" and more. (see)
Other news of the day. Light browning, otherwise in good condition.
... See More
On the public viewing of Rudolph Valentino...
Item #572959
August 26, 1926
FITCHBURG SENTINEL, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, August 26, 1926.
* Famous movie actor, Rudolph Valentino death
* Latin Lover
* "The Sheik"
This 14 page newspaper has two column headlines on the front page that include: "Public's 'Three-Ring-Circus' At Bier of Valentino Ended" and more (see photos).
Light browning, otherwise good.
... See More
Frank Sinatra - Mia Farrow wed...
Item #572916
July 20, 1966
THE RUSSELL DAILY NEWS, Kansas, July 20, 1966
* Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow married
This 8 page newspaper has a one column headline on the front page: "Sinatra, Mia Wed in Vegas" which tells of famous singer Frank Sinatra and actress Mia Farrow.
Other news of the day throughout including various advertisements. A few small binding holes along the spine but otherwise in go... See More
Rudolph Valentino at rest in 1926...
Item #572771
September 07, 1926
THE DAY, New London, Connecticut, September 7, 1926
* Rudolph Valentino burial site
This 16 page newspaper has a one column headline on the front page:
"Valentino at Rest, Amid Hollywood Scenes of Success"
Tells of movie actor Rudolph Valentino arriving in Hollywood Forever Cemetery for final burial.
Other news of the day. A few tiny binding holes along t... See More
Flight 624 airplane disaster....
Item #572768
June 18, 1948
THE TIMES-PICAYUNE, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 18, 1948
* United Airlines Flight 624 disaster
* Douglas DC-6 airliner airplane crash
* Mount Mt. Carmel PA Pennsylvania
This 40 page newspaper has a two column headline on the front page: "43 Die as Plane Hits Live Wire, Explodes" with subheads and photo of the crash site. (see) More on page 3 with list of the dead. A... See More
1938 Aviator Frank Hawks killed...
Item #572063
August 24, 1938
LEOMINSTER DAILY ENTERPRISE, Massachusetts, August 24 & 25, 1938
* Frank Hawks killed in airplane crash
* Aviation - aviator
The Aug. 24th issue has one column headlines on page 5 include: "Frank Hawks, Noted Flier, Dies In Crash" "Socialite Companion Also Perishes In Blazing Plane" "HIT WIRE" and more. (see)
As an extra bonus, you als... See More
Robert Mitchum marijuana arrest...
Item #571901
September 02, 1948
THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Springfield, Massachusetts, September 2, 1948 This 30 page newspaper has two column headlines at the bottom of the front page:
* Mitchum, Fearful His Film Career Ruined, in Seclusion
* $3,000-a-Week Movie Star Is Held on Charge of Smoking Reefers; Caught at Starlet's Home
Tells of the arrest of Actor Robert Mitchum and actress Lila Leeds for marijuana posse... See More
Brooke Hart murder... San Jose lynching....
Item #571074
November 28, 1933
THE KNICKERBOCKER PRESS, Albany, New York, November 28, 1933
* Famous San Jose, California lynchings
* Brooke Hart murder
This 18 page newspaper has a four column headline on the front page: "ROLPH SAYS PARDON AWAITS LYNCHERS OF HART KILLERS" with subheads and related photo. (see) Loads of text, too much to photograph.
Tells of the lynching of Thomas Thurmond and John H. Holmes... See More
Will Rogers & Wiley Post death in 1935...
Item #570700
August 23, 1935
THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Massachusetts, August 23, 1935
* Will Rogers
* Wiley Post
* Airplane crash - funerals
This 30 page newspaper has two column headlines on the front page that include: "Millions of Americans Bow In Silent Farewell as Post And Rogers Rites Are Held" and more. (see)
Other news of the day throughout. Light browning, otherwise good.
wi... See More
Spy Trial... Jury Locked Up...
Item #570574
March 29, 1951
NEW YORK TIMES, New York, March 29, 1951 The frontpage of this issue features a one column, three line "Spy Jury Locked Up After Deciding on 2 in Atom Conspiracy" with subheads "Panel in 6 1/2-Hour Study, but Still Must Reach Verdict on the Third Defendant" "To Resme Debate Today" "One Juror Holding Up Complete Findings - Judge Kaufman Gives 12,000 Word Cha... See More
Al Capone as a movie actor ?....
Item #570516
March 31, 1931
THE OMAHA BEE-NEWS, Nebraska, March 31, 1931
* Al Capone
* Chicago gangster
* Hollywood movie actor ?
This 18 page newspaper has one column headlines on the front page: "CAPONE SEEKS MOVIE ROLE".
Unusual report suggests that Al Capone wanted to go to Hollywood to star in a gangster movie for $1,000,000. (see photos for text)
Other news of the day. Little margin wear, othe... See More
Charles Manson Murders in 1969...
Item #570483
December 02, 1969
THE RUSSELL DAILY NEWS, Kansas, December 2, 1969
* Charles Manson
* Sharon Tate murders
* Watson & Krenwinkel arrested (1st report)
This 8 page newspaper has a three column headline at the bottom of the front page: "Suspects Identified"
Other news of the day. Minor spine wear, otherwise in good condition.
wikipedia notes: On December 1, 1969,... See More
Charles Manson Murders in 1969...
Item #570174
December 03, 1969
THE RUSSELL DAILY NEWS, Kansas, December 3, 1969
* Charles Manson murders
* Susan Atkins
* Sharon Tate
This 8 page newspaper has a one column headline on the front page: "Hippie Clan Is Suspect in Killing Sharon Tate"
Early reporting on the arrests in the famous Hollywood area murders
Other news of the day throughout. Some small binding holes alo... See More
Will Rogers & Wiley Post death in 1935...
Item #569942
August 21, 1935
THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Massachusetts, August 21, 1935
* Will Rogers
* Wiley Post
* Airplane crash - deaths
This 24page newspaper has two column headlines on the front page that include: "Will Rogers Funeral Rites To Be Conducted Tomorrow" and more with photo of the plane wreckage. Also the last photo taken of Rogers on page 3. (see)
Other news of th... See More
Charles Manson Murders in 1969...
Item #569752
December 03, 1969
FITCHBURG SENTINEL, Massachusetts, December 3, 1969
* Charles Manson murders
* Sharon Tate & more
* Recent arrests made
This 32 page newspaper has a one column photo of Charles Manson on the front page with caption: "Cult Leader?"
Also a two column head near the bottom of the front page: "Tate Slaying Suspect In Concord"
Other news of ... See More
Homer Van Meter slain...
Item #569708
August 25, 1934
THE NEW YORK TIMES, New York, August 25, 1934
* re. Outlaw Homer Van Meter death
* John Dillinger gang member
* Babe Face Nelson the new public enemy # 1
This 28 page newspaper has one column headlines on page 3 that include: "VAN METER'S LOOT SOUGHT FROM GIRL" "Waitress, Whose Kin Turned Up Gangster, Is Asked About His Hideout in St. Paul" &... See More
Rudolph Valentino death...
Item #569120
August 23, 1926
THE WORLD, New York City, August 23, 1926
* Famous movie actor death close
* Rudolph Valentino
This 30 page newspaper has a one column headline on the front page that include: "VALENTINO'S FATE QUESTION OF HOURS" "Temperature and Respiration Increase as Condition Spreads in Lungs" "Film Sheik Unable To Eat" and more. (see) He would ... See More
LaGuardia elected mayor of New York City...
Item #569043
November 08, 1933
ALBANY EVENING NEWS, New York, November 8, 1933
* Fiorello Henry La Guardia elected mayor of New York City
This 36 page newspaper has a two column photo on the front page with caption: "New York Victors and Vanquished"
Also a nice seven column headline on page 2: "LAGUARDIA SWEPT INTO OFFICE BY 250,000 PLURALITY"
Other news of the day. Light bro... See More
Will Rogers & Wiley Post death in 1935...
Item #569014
August 19, 1935
THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Massachusetts, August 19, 1935
* Will Rogers
* Wiley Post
* Airplane crash - deaths
This 14 page newspaper has two column headlines on the front page that include: "Plane Wings South With Bodies of Rogers, Post" and more with smaller subheads. (see)
Other news of the day throughout. Light browning with minor margin wear, gener... 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
