We have investigated the Beckmann rearrangement of the oximes of acetylphenanthrenes and benzoylphenanthrenes for two reasons. First, we wished to know how various phenanthryl groups were oriented with respect to the hydroxyl group in the two series of oximes. Secondly, the rearrangement appeared to offer a method for the practical preparation of certain phenanthrene derivatives. Accordingly we have prepared the ...