Willis O'Brien Scrapbooks, ca. 1929-30, 1933

1929-1933


Descriptive Summary

Title: Willis O'Brien Scrapbooks, ca. 1929-30, 1933
Dates: 1929-1933
Collection Number: P-141
Creator/Collector:
Extent: .5 linear feet (Boxes: ½ letter, 1 ov)
Repository: Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Abstract: Two scrapbooks of photos compiled by O'Brien, best known for his work on King Kong.
Language of Material: English

Access

Research is by appointment only

Publication Rights

Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder

Preferred Citation

Willis O'Brien Scrapbooks, ca. 1929-30, 1933. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Biography/Administrative History

Willis O'Brien (1886-1962), was an American specialist in the creation of monster animals for use in stop-motion techniques.

Scope and Content of Collection

Two scrapbooks of photos compiled by O'Brien, best known for his work on King Kong: 1929-30 FBO Glass Matte Scrapbook A collection of photos showing sets before and after the glass mattes were added for various 1930 FBO releases. Most were executed and signed by Byron Crabbe and/or Mario Larrinaga and a few by Willis O'Brien. On the back of one is a rough pencil sketch of a gorilla. Son of Kong (1933) Photo Album Willis O'Brien's personal scrapbook containing 295 3x4 inch black & white photos showing matte work for Son of Kong and stills as well as behind the scenes shots of the sequences involving animation of the three-dimensional models. A black and white photograph of O'Brien inscribed by him in 1932 for the Museum's then curator of motion pictures, Earl Theisen.