Bill Batty papers
Special Collections
Margaret Herrick Library
© 2014
Title: Bill Batty papers
Date (inclusive): 1928-1989
Collection number: 537
Creator:
Batty, Bill
Extent:
4 linear feet of papers.
3 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.
Bill Batty papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Gift of the William Batty estate, 2003
William R. Batty was a film fan and theater enthusiast in Middletown, Connecticut, who made a living
in the marine hardware business. His friendship with actress Sue Carol, to whom he first wrote in 1927,
spurred in a life-long interest in Hollywood personalities. In 1948, Batty was a guest at the Hollywood
home of Carol and her husband, Alan Ladd. Over the next forty years, Batty made more than two dozen
excursions to Los Angeles to mingle with Carol and other actors. He often met Hollywood actors during the
summer season at the Norwich and Ivoryton playhouses in Connecticut and would later seek them out in
California, along with studio publicists, such as Frank Neill at 20th Century-Fox. Batty's writings about
the trips appeared in local Connecticut newspapers.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Bill Batty papers spans the years 1928-1989 and encompasses 7 linear feet. The collection contains clippings, correspondence
in response to Batty's fan letter inquiries, and two scrapbooks. Photographs and slides document Batty's trips to Hollywood
between 1948 and 1989. Included are candid on-set photographs and autographed photographs.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: 1. Subject files; 2. Scrapbooks; 3. Photographs.
Batty, Bill , 1909-2003--Archives.
fans