Marcus Andrew Hislop Clarke papers, 1868-1875, 1895

MLMSS 260

fonds

1868-1895

932289

Microfilm : CY 648 (Box 1)
Microfilm : CY 556 (Box 2)

2 boxes of textual material

Marcus Clarke, 1846-1881, was active in the theatre both as an original author and as a translator. His first efforts resulted in 'Foul play' a drama founded on Dion Bourcicault and Charles Reade's novel of the same name and first played in Melbourne in 1868. It was followed by 'Peacock's feathers', an adaptation of Moliere's 'Le Bourgeois gentilhomme' which was staged in 1871. 'Fernande' was an adaptation of Victorien Sardou's comedy of the same name and was written and produced in 1871. 'Charnock Chase' was adapted from Clarke's own novel 'Chidiock Tickbourne', ca. 1874, with assistance from Robert Percy Whitworth, but never staged. 'Reverses', an Australian comedy of manners, was written also with Whitworth at this time. The original was never staged but the work was printed in 1876

In 1869 Clarke married Marian Dunn, the actress daughter of John Dunn, himself an actor. The major part of Dunn's autobiography, 'Some stage memories', deals with his theatrical experiences in England and America. A small section covers similar experiences in Australia and New Zealand. In 1856 he left England for Melbourne and in 1869 he returned again to play England and the U.S.A. He died in 1875

Box 1
Item 1
a. Play scripts
i. 'Charnock Chase : a drama in 4 acts by Robert P. Whitworth & Marcus Clarke' 108 pages
Manuscript copy. Note on cover sheet : This drama has never been staged
Items 2-5
ii. 'Fernande' : a drama in four acts. Manuscript copy with annotations in Clarke's handwriting
Item 6
iii. 'Foul play : a drama in four acts. Clarke's handwriting
iv. 'Peacock's feathers' : a comedy in two acts
Item 7
a. Play. Manuscript copy of Acts I and II
Item 8
b. Play. Manuscript copy of Act I, partly in Clarke's handwriting
Items 9-22
c. Actors' parts (14). Manuscript copies, one with additions in Clarke's handwriting
Item 23
e. 'Reverses : a comedy in four acts, by Marcus Clarke & Robt. P. Whitworth.' 55 pages. Manuscript copy. Note on cover sheet : original never played

Series 02: John Dunn, ca. 1873-1875, 1895
Box 2
Item 1
a. 'Some stage memories, by John Dunn comedian', ca. 1833-1875, 'compiled and edited by James Edward Neild, M.D., the Australian dramatic critic' and, in pencil on the title page, Marcus Clarke, ca. 1873-1875; with foreword by Neild, January 1895. Manuscript, newscuttings. Original manuscript in Neild's handwriting

Series 03: Incidental Material, 187-?
a. 'Melbourne in its early days, 1837-1850', 187-?
Item 2
Boyhood reminiscences of a man of fifty. Incomplete
Item 3
b. An account of a smallpox illness and hospitalisation in London before departure to Victoria, 187-? Incomplete

Information transferred from Manuscripts Leaf Catalogue No. 1 (6-750 C) as part of the eRecords Project, 2010-2011

Keyword subject:
Smallpox
Actors