First National Pictures photographs
Special Collections
Margaret Herrick Library
© 2013
Title: First National Pictures photographs
Date (inclusive): 1920-1931
Collection number: 1092
Creator:
First National Pictures
Extent:
30 linear feet of photographs.
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
English
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Available by appointment only.
Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are
responsible for obtaining all necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies
or individuals before quoting from or publishing materials obtained from the library.
First National Pictures photographs, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences.
Gift of Sid and Diana Avery, 1989-1991, with additions from Kay E. Kuter and Jean Kuter Harvey, 1991
First National Pictures was an American motion picture exhibitor and producer. The company, founded in
1917 as First National Exhibitors Circuit, Inc., was formed by 27 independent motion picture exhibitors.
In 1922 it opened a studio in Burbank, California, and began producing its own films. Between 1920 and
1925 the company was known as Associated First National Pictures. In 1928 Warner Bros. absorbed First
National by acquiring the Stanley Company, First National's majority stockholder. Shortly thereafter,
Warner Bros. moved its principal production facility to First National's Burbank lot. Under the terms of
the acquisition agreement, First National was still considered a separate production entity and remained
so at least until the early 1930s. Even after that, primarily in the 1930s and 1940s, certain Warner
Bros. films were designated as First National productions and releases. The First National banner
occasionally appeared on some Warner Bros. films as late as 1956.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The First National Pictures photographs span the years 1920-1931 and encompass 30 linear feet. The
collection consists of 18,370 photographic prints for 144 films. The majority of the material consists of
scenes, but there are also many off-camera and publicity portrait photographs. Typical files average more
than 100 photographs per title.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: 1. Motion picture production photographs
First National Pictures