"The Moral Code" - Original Program and Copyright Documents

An interesting group of original copyright documents relating to the 1911 play The Moral Code, written by Herbert Thomson and produced by American songwriter and dramatist Arthur Hammerstein. Included are: an original copyright certificate from the Library of Congress (July 17, 1911; on a punched and stamped 5 x 3 card;); a bill from Strong, Buckmaster & Bolden of London for copyright charges (September 13, 1911; 8 x 9.5 inches); a signed receipt from the International Copyright Bureau to Strong, Buckmaster & Bolden for copyright fees (September 13, 1911; 7 x 4 inches); a carbon copy of a receipt for registering the play at Stationers' Hall, London (August 22, 1911; 5.5 x 8 inches); a single-sheet program for the first public copyright performance of the play, at 11:00 am on August 21, 1911 at the Adelphi Theatre, London (8.25 x 10.5 inches); and the original certificate allowing the play to be performed in Britain, signed by the Lord Chamberlain, Charles Spencer (September 3, 1911; 8.25 x 12.5 inches). Some folding creases, light wear and toning; overall fine.

The Moral Code was premiered at the Lyceum Theatre in Rochester, New York, also on August 22, 1911. The New York Times reported: "...the action involves a prominent surgeon who shoots his wife’s admirer and the latter’s arrest, to avoid scandal, on charge of burglary. His conviction by the criminal court and the confession of the real cause of the shooting form the strongest scene in the play..." (16278)

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Autograph Document

Program, unsigned

Theater

$175.00

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