- unitid
-
{"value"=>"*T-Mss 1994-009", "type"=>"local_call"}
{"value"=>"21324", "type"=>"local_mss"}
- unittitle
-
{"value"=>"Michael Strange papers"}
- physdesc
-
{"format"=>"simple", "value"=>"7 boxes"}
- repository
-
{"value"=>"The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Billy Rose Theatre Division"}
- prefercite
-
{"value"=>"<p>Michael Strange Papers, *T-Mss 1994-009, Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts</p>"}
- bioghist
-
{"value"=>"<p>Michael Strange, nee Blanche Oelrichs, was born in Newport in 1890, daughter of Charles May Oelrichs and his wife, Blanche. Blanche Oelrichs early life consisted of an education at the Brearley School and later, at Manhattanville Convent School where she had a reputation for pranks. Considered one of the most beautiful of Newport debutantes at her social debut, she was married at 19 to Leonard M. Thomas, a liaison officer of the American Embassy in Paris. She had two sons from this first marriage, Leonard and Robin.</p> <p>After meeting John Barrymore in 1917, she eventually divorced Leonard Thomas, who was serving in the military during World War I. She married John Barrymore in August 1920. This marriage was problematic from the start. The artistic personalities of both parties led to intense bouts of passion and anger. During the entire period of their marriage, Barrymore was obsessed with the possiblity of her infidelity. He was extremely jealous and possessive and these traits, as well as his drinking, aided in the destruction of their relationship. Diana Barrymore, their only child, was born in March of 1921. During the period of their marriage, Barrymore acted in his greatest role as <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span>. She and John Barrymore remained married until 1928 when she quietly divorced him in Europe using the name Mrs. John Blythe. Her third husband was Harrison Tweed.</p> <p>Blanche Oelrichs took the name Michael Strange at the beginning of her literary career. Known first as playwright, she later was known for her poetry, some of which was published with illustrations done by John Barrymore. Among her works are, <span class=\"title\">Clair de Lune</span> based on Victor Hugo's work <span class=\"title\">L'Homme Qui Rit</span> [<span class=\"title\">The Man Who Laughs</span>], which opened with John and Ethel Barrymore starring in the cast. The play was not a success and the reviews of the critics caused John Barrymore to send letters of rebuttal to the newspapers defending his wife's literary work. Her other well known works are primarily poetry and include: <span class=\"title\">Selected Poems</span>, <span class=\"title\">Resurrecting Life</span>, and <span class=\"title\">Poems</span>. Her autobiography is entitled <span class=\"title\">Who Tells Me True</span>. Michael Strange died in 1950.</p>"}
- custodhist
-
{"value"=>"<p>The Michael Strange Papers were donated to the Billy Rose Theatre Division in June of 1994.</p>"}
- scopecontent
-
{"value"=>"<p>The <span class=\"persname\">Michael Strange</span> (<span class=\"persname\">Blanche Oelrichs Thomas Barrymore</span>) Papers consist primarily of 218 autographed letters, many more than 2 pages, from her second husband <span class=\"persname\">John Barrymore</span> and span the years 1917-1925. These years coincide with the end of her marriage to <span class=\"persname\">Leonard Thomas</span>, as well as Barrymore and Strange's courtship, marriage and divorce. Michael Strange was John Barrymore's second wife and the correspondence gives insight to the stormy nature of their relationship and includes many love letters. Much of the correspondence from late 1922 to early 1923 contains information on Barrymore's <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span> which ran in New York during that time period. The correspondence also documents the 1925 London production of Barrymore's <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span>. Other topics include some of his earlier theatrical works and discussions of events during motion picture filming in Hollywood and on location. His writing about his acting is at times introspective and gives glimpses of Barrymore's creative genius and troubled personality. Interesting aspects of the letters include drawings which Barrymore himself added to the correspondence. Other correspondence is from Michael Strange's admirer Terence whose last name is never revealed, as well as correspondence from the critic, <span class=\"persname\">John Jay Chapman</span>. The collection also includes a manuscript copy of a play written by Michael Strange entitled <span class=\"title\">The Dark Crown</span> for which she was accused of plagiarism by <span class=\"persname\">Sophie Treadwell</span>. Also included is ephemera such as clippings and gift cards.</p> <ul class=\"chronlist\"> <div class=\"head\">Chronology of Dates Relevant to Correspondence</div> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">1917</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore divorces 1st wife Katherine Harris</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">1917</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore meets Michael Strange (Blanche Oelrichs)</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">April 17, 1917</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore stars in the play <span class=\"title\">Peter Ibbetson</span></span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">1918-April, 1919</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore stars in <span class=\"title\">Redemption</span></span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">1919</span> <span class=\"event\">Michael Strange (Blanche Oelrichs) sent to Santa Barbara, California to \"get over\" John Barrymore; begins to write <span class=\"title\">Clair de Lune</span></span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">April-June 1919</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore stars in <span class=\"title\">The Jest</span></span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">Fall 1919</span> <span class=\"event\">Michael Strange (Blanche Oelrichs) divorces her 1st husband Leonard Thomas</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">March 6, 1920</span> <span class=\"event\">Opening night of <span class=\"title\">Richard III</span> starring John Barrymore</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">April 1920</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore suffers breakdown during run of <span class=\"title\">Richard III</span></span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">August 1920</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore and Michael Strange (Blanche Oelrichs) marry</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">1921</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore films <span class=\"title\">The Lotus Eaters</span> on location in Miami</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">March 3, 1921</span> <span class=\"event\">Birth of Diana Barrymore</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">April 18, 1921</span> <span class=\"event\">Opening night of <span class=\"title\">Clair de Lune</span> by Michael Strange</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">Summer 1921</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore and Michael Strange tour Europe</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">Summer 1921</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore proceeds to Switzerland, climbs Mt. Blanc</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">December 1921</span> <span class=\"event\">Michael Strange returns from France</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">Winter 1922</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore in Nassau, Bahamas</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">Spring 1922</span> <span class=\"event\">Michael Strange travels to Europe with Mrs. Lionel Barrymore</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">April 1922</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore on Andros Island</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">May 1922</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore takes ill in the Bahamas</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">June-August 1922</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore prepares for <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span>, studies diction with Margaret Carrington at Denby Court, Connecticut</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">November 17, 1922</span> <span class=\"event\">Opening night of <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span> in New York starring John Barrymore</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">February 9, 1923</span> <span class=\"event\"> <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span> closes after 101 performances breaking previous record of 100 performances set by Edwin Booth in 1865 at the Winter Garden Theatre</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">February 1923</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore sails for Europe; signs contracts with Warner Bros.</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">Spring 1923</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore travels in Europe</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">July 1923</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore goes to California to film <span class=\"title\">Beau Brummell</span></span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">November 1923</span> <span class=\"event\"> <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span> reopens for three weeks in New York</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">December 1923</span> <span class=\"event\"> <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span> production goes on tour</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">1924</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore travels twice to Europe to solicit funds for a British production of <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span></span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">October 1924</span> <span class=\"event\">Lawsuit by Sophie Treadwell against Michael Strange for plagiarism for her play <span class=\"title\">Dark Crown</span></span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">November 1924</span> <span class=\"event\">Michael Strange sails to Europe on the S.S. Mauretania</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">November 1924</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore sails to England</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">December 1924</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore rents house on Cheyne Walk</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">January 1925</span> <span class=\"event\">Rehearsals begin for the London production of <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span></span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">February 19, 1925</span> <span class=\"event\"> <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span> opens in London</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">April 18, 1925</span> <span class=\"event\"> <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span> closes in London</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">April 1925</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore ill in London</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">April 29, 1925</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore sails to New York on the S.S. Olympic</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">May 1925</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore returns to New York</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">May 1925</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore and Michael Strange officially separate</span></li> <li class=\"chronitem\"> <span class=\"date\">1926</span> <span class=\"event\">John Barrymore films <span class=\"title\">Don Juan</span> and <span class=\"title\">The Sea Beast</span></span></li></ul>"}
{"value"=>"<p class='list-head'>The Michael Strange papers are arranged in three series:</p>\n<ul class='arrangement series-descriptions'>\n<li><div class='series-title'><a href='/the/21324#c296830'>Series I: Correspondence,.</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1917-1925</div>\n<div class='series-extent'>3 boxes</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>This series includes love letters from <span class=\"persname\">John Barrymore</span> to <span class=\"persname\">Michael Strange</span> throughout the courtship and marriage and span the years 1917-1925. The letters use personal terms of endearment and are almost always affectionate and sometimes sexually explicit. Of special note are certain pet names used interchangeably by John Barrymore and Michael Strange. These include: Treacle, Fig and Dringal. The letters are often written in the third person and John Barrymore usually referred to himself as father and Michael Strange as \"his mother\". Occasionally there are marginal drawings done by Barrymore to illustrate his words. Included as well on the letters and envelopes are notes written by Michael Strange placing the letters in the context of familiar events in her life.</p> <div class=\"note\"> <p>Note: Correspondence series is available in reading copies only. Originals (Boxes 1, 2, and 3) will not be given to researchers without the permission of the curator.</p></div></div></li><li><div class='series-title'><a href='/the/21324#c296885'>Series II: The Dark Crown,.</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1922-1924</div>\n<div class='series-extent'>1 box</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>This series includes drafts, revisions and handwritten notes for the play <span class=\"title\">The Dark Crown</span>. This play was never produced due to a controversy with <span class=\"persname\">Sophie Treadwell</span> over the idea for the work. Sophie Treadwell accused Michael Strange of plagiarism and Strange never produced the play at the advice of lawyers. Included as well is a copy of a letter from Michael Strange's lawyer over this issue.</p></div></li><li><div class='series-title'><a href='/the/21324#c296896'>Series III: Ephemera,.</a></div>\n<div class='series-date'>1921-1923</div>\n<div class='series-extent'>1 box</div>\n<div class='series-description'><p>This series includes miscellaneous clippings, gift cards and calling cards belonging to <span class=\"persname\">Michael Strange</span>. Included as well is a contract for rights to a literary work she was considering.</p></div></li></ul>\n", "type"=>"arrangement"}
- arrangement
-
{"value"=>"<p> <ul class=\"list\"> <li>Series I: Correspondence</li> <li>Series II: <span class=\"title\">The Dark Crown</span></li> <li>Series III: Ephemera</li></ul></p>", "supress_display"=>true}
- processinfo
-
{"value"=>"<p>Processed by Mary Ellen Rogan.</p>"}
{"value"=>"<p> The materials arrived in good condition and processing began immediately. Due to the unique quality of these materials, the correspondence series is only available to researchers as reading copies.</p>"}
- accessrestrict
-
{"value"=>"<p>Original correspondence restricted. Photocopies available for research use.</p>"}
- userestrict
-
{"value"=>"<p>For permission to publish, contact the Curator, Billy Rose Theatre Division.</p>"}
- unitdate
-
{"value"=>"1917-1925", "type"=>"inclusive", "normal"=>"1917/1925"}
- date_inclusive_start
-
1917
- date_inclusive_end
-
1925
- origination
-
{"value"=>"Strange, Michael, 1890-1950", "type"=>"persname"}
- acqinfo
-
{"accession_number"=>"THE Mss 1994-009"}
{"date"=>"06/--/1994", "source"=>"Gwenn Thomas-Avillez / Viviane Thomas Trimble", "address"=>"See donor file", "method"=>"Gift", "extent"=>"1.25 o", "value"=>"Gift, Gwenn Thomas-Avillez / Viviane Thomas Trimble, 06/--/1994"}
- abstract
-
{"value"=>"The Michael Strange papers consist primarily of 218 autographed letters, many more then 2 pages in length, from her second husband John Barrymore. These span the years 1917-1925 and coincide with the end of her marriage to Leonard Thomas, as well as Barrymore's and Strange's courtship, marriage and divorce. Michael Strange was John Barrymore's second wife and the correspondence gives insight to the stormy nature of their relationship. Most of the correspondence is love letters which use personal terms of endearment and are almost always affectionate and sometimes sexually explicit."}
- keydate
-
1917
- date_start
-
1917
- date_end
-
1925