Photograph was edited for publication purposes. Barbara Burns was the daughter of famed American comedian Robin "Bob" Burns. He was a musical comedian appearing on radio and in movies in the 1930s and 1940s, and also wrote a homey syndicated newspaper column from 1936-1940. Burns invented a novelty musical instrument which he called a "bazooka." During World War II, the Army's handheld anti-tank rocket launcher, also known as "stovepipe" was nicknamed "bazooka." Bob Burns had four children and died in 1956. His daughter Barbara was a troubled teenager who began using hard drugs by the time she was eighteen. She attempted suicide several times and finally died of an overdose in January 1962. First photograph caption dated January 23, 1957 reads "Daughter of late comedian Bob Burns settles for $200 a month instead of $2500, in row with mom." Barbara Burns is pictured sitting, holding papers. She was demanding the larger amount from her estranged mother.; Second photograph caption dated January 28, 1958 reads "Barbara Burns, confessed dope addict. 'You can buy heroin anywhere, almost like popcorn,' she says, as she tells of 'peddlers' in schools.'"
Type
Image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;26 x 21 cm. Photographic prints
Burns, Bob,--1890-1956--Family Burns, Bob,--1890-1956--Family--Trials, litigation, etc Women--California--Los Angeles Children of celebrities--United States Trials--California--Los Angeles Portrait photographs Los Angeles Evening Herald Express photographs Herald-Examiner Collection photographs
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