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Charles Brabin papers
67
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Abstract: The collection consists primarily of script material. There is a scrapbook, diary, and critiques (not by Brabin) of several
1913 Edison films. There is no material on Theda Bara other than a poem (not by Brabin) inscribed to her.
Collector:
Brabin, Charles J.
Dates: 1904-1940
Collection number: 67
Collection Size:
1.1 linear ft. of papers
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Available by appointment only.
Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are responsible for obtaining all
necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies or individuals before quoting from or publishing
materials obtained from the library.
Charles Brabin papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Bequest of the Charles Brabin estate, 1959
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Charles Brabin papers span the years 1904-1940 and encompass 1.1 linear feet. The collection consists primarily of script
material for BLIND WIVES (1920), CALL OF THE FLESH (1930), DRIVEN (1923), FOOTFALLS (1921), FRAMED (1927), LA BELLE RUSSE
(1919), THE LIGHTS OF NEW YORK (1922), and TWINKLETOES (1926). Brabin's script notes for DRIVEN are of interest. An undated
scrapbook contains production design material, including unidentified set stills along with clippings and photographs apparently
used for set reference by Brabin. Other items include Brabin's 1913 diary entries documenting preparation and filming in England,
Wales, and Belgium for various Edison films, among them INTERLUDE (1913), ANTIQUE BROOCH (1913), and NECKLACE OF RAMESES (1914);
critiques (not by Brabin) of several 1913 Edison films; and the poem "A Woman There Was" by Charles W. McCabe, inscribed to
Theda Bara. There is no other material on Theda Bara.
Charles J. Brabin (1882-1957) was born in Liverpool, England, and educated at St. Francis Xavier College. He came to New York
in the early 1900s and, while holding down odd jobs, tried his hand as a stage actor. Brabin joined the Edison Company around
1908, acting first and then directing. He later directed for Essanay, Vitagraph, Metro, Fox, First National, and MGM. Brabin
directed Theda Bara in KATHLEEN MAVOURNEEN (1919) and LA BELLE RUSSE (1919), and the two were married in 1921. DRIVEN (1923),
STELLA MARIS (1925), and THE MASK OF FU MANCHU (1932) were among the films directed and occasionally scripted by Brabin. His
last film was A WICKED WOMAN (1934). Brabin retired in the mid-1930s.
1. Production files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 2. Stage files; 3. Subject files; 4. Oversize
Brabin, Charles J.
Directors
Producers
Screenwriters