The Round Table Today
Oak paneling, deep blue banquettes and the original table, still set for good conversation.
The Vicious Circle
For ten years they met here daily. Between them they collected Pulitzers, Academy Awards, a magazine and a permanent place in New York’s imagination. Here is who was at the table.
Dorothy Parker
Parker’s career began as a theater critic writing for Vogue and Vanity Fair. After being dismissed from Vanity Fair she went to Life Magazine. The Round Table grew her fame and daily newspapers where publishing her sharp and witty phrases. She became known for her short stories, poems and screenplays.
Franklin Adams
Known simply as F.P.A., he was one of the most famous writers at the time. He contributed to the New York Tribune, New York World and New York Evening Post. Adams’ most celebrated columns were “Always in Good Humor” and “The Conning Tower” which often shared insight into his personal life.
Robert Benchley
Tapped as the first managing editor of Vanity Fair, Benchley went on to work for Life and became known for his humorous writing. After appearing in a revue in 1922 Benchley sought to become an actor and began a stage career. He gained famed in Hollywood and in 1935 he won an Academy Award.
Harold Ross
Founder and Editor of The New Yorker, Ross was involved in the magazine from its inception in 1925 until his death. The Round Table members often played poker in the hotel and with a winning hand; Ross won a generous sum of money which he used to finance the magazine.
Robert Sherwood
The tallest member of the Round Table, Sherwood stood at six foot seven. His career began as an editor at Vanity Fair and then Life alongside Parker and Benchley. He found success as a playwright and went on to win four Pulitzer Prizes. In 1946 he won an Oscar for best screenplay.
Alexander Woollcott
Woollcott was the central member of the Round Table. He was the New York Times theater critic and for some time wrote his reviews in a room on the third floor of the hotel. His eccentric personality was the inspiration for the character Sheridan Whiteside in “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”
George S. Kaufman
Kaufman started his career as a columnist but found huge success as a playwright. He wrote and co-wrote 46 plays (26 hits) and won two Pulitzer Prizes. He collaborated with other Round Table Members such as Ferber and Connolly. Kaufman’s and Connolly’s play
Heywood Broun
Broun was a sports writer for the New York Tribune and also wrote for New York World. He was a founder of the Newspaper Guild. Broun was very politically active through his entire life and was also married to feminist Ruth Hale, who founded the Lucy Stone League.
Marc Connelly
Like Kaufman, started out writing for the papers (New York Sun and Morning Telegraph) but grew to success when the two collaborated and wrote several hit plays. Not only did their work launch the career of Fontanne but also Helen Hayes. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his play, The Green Pasture.
Edna Ferber
Ferber was one of the most successful writers of the group. She won a Pulitzer prize in 1924 for So Big. She collaborated with Kaufman and wrote four hit plays including The Royal Family. Several of her books were adapted into movies and musicals including, Show Boat, Giant and Ice Palace.
Reserve the Round Table
“When I was growing up, I had three wishes – I wanted to be a Lindbergh-type hero, learn Chinese and become a member of the Algonquin Round Table.”
– John F. Kennedy