Earl Carroll Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Earl Carroll, born on September 16, 1893, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a prominent American theatrical producer, director, songwriter, and theater owner, best known for his extravagant musical revues that rivaled those of Florenz Ziegfeld. His career spanned the early to mid-20th century, a period often considered the golden age of Broadway.

Carroll moved to New York in the 1910s, where he began his career in the entertainment industry. He gained notoriety for his lavish and often controversial productions, which were famed for featuring beautiful women, elaborate sets, and extravagant costumes. His mantra, "Through these portals pass the most beautiful girls in the world," exemplified the style of his shows.

One of Carroll's most famous productions was "Earl Carroll's Vanities," a series of revues that he produced annually from 1923 to 1931. These shows were similar to the Ziegfeld Follies and included a mix of comedy, song, and dance, featuring top talents of that era. Carroll was also known for his production of "Murder at the Vanities" (1933), a notable pre-Code musical film that combined elements of crime drama and musical theater.

In addition to his work on Broadway, Carroll ventured into Hollywood, where he produced several films. However, his Broadway theatres, the Earl Carroll Theatre (opened in 1922 on Broadway and 50th Street) and the Earl Carroll Theatre in Hollywood (opened in 1938), were his most enduring legacies. These venues were iconic for their opulence and the lavish shows staged there.

He died on June 17, 1948, in the crash of United Airlines Flight 624 in Aristes, Pennsylvania. Despite his untimely death, Earl Carroll remains a significant figure in the history of American theater, remembered for his contributions to the grandeur and spectacle of Broadway productions.