Lambs Gambol Program Book SC (1915-1937 Lambs, Inc.) comic books 1915

The Lambs is America's first professional theatrical club, established in New York in 1874. Named after a similar club in London, the name honors Charles Lamb, who during the early 1800s hosted actors, artists and literati at their salon in London. The Lambs are still in existence today, having played a major role in the formation of the Screen Actor's Guild, ASCAP and other organizations. Past members have included Spencer Tracy, George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin, Fred Astaire, W.C. Fields and many others. During the early part of the last century, The Lambs would host dinner parties with entertainment known as gambols, usually to raise money for charities like the Actor's Fund. This is the program book for the 1915 All Star Gambol for the Actor's Fund. Cover painting is by W. Spencer Wright. Full page artwork by J.H. Gardner Soper, Joseph Keegan, Walter Hale, George McManus, Clare A. Briggs, Tom E. Powers, Stephen Roach, Rube Goldberg, John Willard. The lengthy program consisted of fourteen sections consisting of short plays, musical interludes and speeches and soliloquies. Of special note is the third section: Winsor McKay will introduce his captivating pet dinosaurus Gertie. Imagine watching and listening as McKay showcases his short animated feature film, which was to revolutionize the film industry. Interesting ads include Victor Talking Machine Company featuring opera star Caruso, Cunard, Fatima Turkish Cigarettes, Biltmore Hotel, Fleischman Florists, Clysmic Water, United States Rubber Company, Pall Mall cigarettes (in color). There are also many ads from movie studios of the day, since New York was the center of the new movie industry, not Hollywood. 9-in. x 12-in., 52 pages, B&W. Cover price $0.25.