[78-L] Recordings of Maude Adams?

[David Lennick]

Early 30s programs do survive, especially if they were sponsored, since the ad 
agencies would have recordings made at the various studios in New York and Los 
Angeles. And copies were often made for the stars. This became more common when 
lacquer discs were introduced in 1934, so it's not beyond the realm of possibility.

dl

Harold Aherne wrote:
> This actress, the (almost) creator of Peter Pan and other Barrie roles, has begun to
> fascinate me. Her deep-set eyes and placid expression are entrancing, and her 
> reputation among those who saw her in 1897 or 1905 can be regarded as 
> adoration. We can only regret that so little of her legacy is available to us today.
>  
> She was extraordinarily private and ascetic, comparable to Garbo. Her disdain
> for appearing in public, as well as the aura of mystery that Charles Frohman
> preferred his actresses to have, makes it unlikely that she recorded any 78s.
> For thousands of people to own a recording of her voice and to be able to play
> it at any time was probably too much for Maudie (as her fans called her) to 
> acquiesce to. Nevertheless, she did make a few radio broadcasts on NBC in 1933-34. 
> According to the website linked below, two of her performances were of The Little 
> Minister and Peter Pan! To be able to hear her recite Barrie's lines would be 
> extraordinary. See http://www.bookmice.net/darkchilde/maude/adams211.html
>  
> But NBC did not have a transcription department when those broadcasts were
> made, and if they survive at all they do not circulate among collectors, it seems.
> Does anyone know if they still exist? Aside from these, the only film or recording
> of Adams seems to be a 1938 screen test done by David O. Selznick which is
> held by the George Eastman House. And so, unlike even Ellen Terry, Maude Adams'
> skills will have to remain largely as memories, and I envy those who had a chance 
> to witness them.
>  
> -Harold
>  
>