BROUN, HEYWOOD

(1888-1939)

   The Brooklyn-born and Harvard University-educated critic reviewed plays during the 1920s for the New York Morning Telegraph, the Morning World, and Vanity Fair. Broun's theatre reviews always had gripping introductory paragraphs—a bold assertion or a humorous observation—followed by incisive analysis of the work. He also tried acting, political activism, radio, and lecturing on the drama at Columbia University. His books reflect his social activism. Broun's death came shortly after he joined the New York Post and had written only one column.