Topsy and Eva

N.p. N.p., Circa 1927. Vintage production material from the 1927 silent film, including a 13-page shooting schedule and a 30-page "costume plot" layout. Costume materials with manuscript pencil annotations to several pages, noting deletions and costumes to rent.

A broad satire, based on the 1923 musical play by Catherine Chisholm Cushing, which was in turn based on two key figures (the titular Topsy and Eva, played by Rosetta and Vivian Duncan) from Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

The Duncan Sisters were a popular vaudeville duo in the 1920s, largely known for their long-standing roles in Cushing's play (which they would perform for over two decades) with Vivian as Eva and Rosetta in blackface as Topsy.

Shooting schedule:

Self wrappers. Title page present, undated, noted as Shooting Schedule and Character Plot, with credits for screenwriter Los Weber. 13 leaves, with last page of text numbered 12. Carbon typescript, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, bound with a silver prong.

"Costume plot":

Without wrappers and title page, presumably as issued. 30 leaves, not numbered. Carbon typescript on onionskin stock, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, partially bound with two paper clips.

[Book #153087]