Browse the Title List for Motion Pictures , which is grouped by genre, to see a cross-section of the types of acts found in vaudeville and variety stage shows, such as comic sketches and dance. Students can also explore the life of a legendary entertainer, Harry Houdini . The Houdini collection within American Variety Stage contains photographs and personal memorabilia of this popular magician's life and work. Search on Houdini and Houdini films to find items from Houdini's career, including this film poster. Items in the collection can be used as a gateway for discussion of discrimination, racism, and stereotypes.
Students can observe stereotyping in the language of the playscripts.
Students will note that many scripts are written in the vernacular. They can also observe visual stereotyping in the motion pictures within the collection. Top of Page Historical Thinking Chronological Thinking By studying items in this collection, students can begin to explore historical issues of the period from 1870-1920. Students might examine the theater playbills , playscripts , and motion pictures in order to look at how history was presented in theatrical productions. The collection can help students understand events in the history of immigration.