In the News
By Don Taylor
In my continuing effort to document the vaudeville career of Donna Darling, I’ve identified a fascinating advertisement published in a Polish-language newspaper that places her performance at the Lafayette Square Theatre in Buffalo, New York, in 1925. This clipping not only confirms her presence on a diverse theatrical bill but also highlights her appeal to immigrant audiences.
The Advertisement
This ad appeared in Dziennik dla Wszystkich (translated: “Journal for Everyone”) from July 27th to August 1st, 1925 (Wednesday through Saturday). This discovery was made possible through the excellent digitized collections at New York Historic Newspapers.
Translated, the advertisement reads:[i]
Comfortable fun at LAFAYETTE SQUARE
Irene Rich in “My Wife and I”
A gripping melodrama centered on a beautiful and morally questionable woman.
Donna Darling (and her) Bathing Girl Revue
with Max Sennett’s Original Beauties
Henry B. Murtagh at the Wurlitzer organ
Performance Details
- Venue: Lafayette Square Theatre, Buffalo, New York
- Date: 27 July through 1 August 1925
- Film Feature: My Wife and I starring Irene Rich
- Live Act: Donna Darling and Her Bathing Girl Revue with “Max Sennett’s Original Beauties”
- Music: Live accompaniment by Henry B. Murtagh on Wurlitzer organ
- Language of Publication: Polish
Analysis & Context
This advertisement provides several important insights into Donna Darling’s career and the broader entertainment environment of the mid-1920s:
1. Integration of Film and Vaudeville
The billing demonstrates the common 1920s practice of combining silent film features with live stage acts. The film My Wife and I, starring Irene Rich, served as the primary cinematic attraction, while Donna Darling’s revue offered a lively stage complement.
2. Association with Max Sennett Branding
The reference to “Max Sennett’s Original Beauties” is significant. Max Sennett was widely known for his “Bathing Beauties,” a popular film and stage concept.
3. Appeal to Immigrant Audiences
The appearance of this advertisement in a Polish-language newspaper underscores the importance of ethnic press outlets in promoting entertainment. The Lafayette Square Theatre in Buffalo actively marketed to Polish-speaking patrons, reflecting the city’s substantial Polish-American community during the 1920s.
4. Musical Accompaniment
The inclusion of Henry B. Murtagh at the Wurlitzer organ highlights the continued importance of live music in silent-era theaters. Organists were integral to the overall theatrical experience, bridging film and live performance.
New Insights
This clipping contributes to the growing documentation of Donna Darling’s touring circuit by:
- Confirming her presence in Buffalo, New York, in late July and early August 1925
- Providing evidence of targeted advertising to immigrant communities
- Reinforcing her association with the popular “bathing girl” revue format
Conclusion
This advertisement offers a valuable glimpse into the vibrant and multicultural entertainment landscape of the 1920s. Donna Darling’s inclusion on this bill reflects both her versatility as a performer and her ability to attract diverse audiences. Each newly discovered clipping such as this helps refine the timeline and scope of her vaudeville career.
Disclaimer: This article was researched and written by the author. ChatGPT was used as a research and drafting aid, and Grammarly was used for editorial review and copy editing.
Disclaimer: This article was researched and written by the author. ChatGPT was used as a research and drafting aid, and Grammarly was used for editorial review and copy editing.
ENDNOTES
[i] Thanks to ChatGPT Translate.