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Robert Presnell papers
36
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Table of contents
Title: Robert Presnell papers
Date (inclusive): 1907-1977
Date (bulk): 1930s-1950s
Collection number: 36
Creator:
Presnell, Robert R., Sr.
Extent:
6 linear feet of papers.
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.
Robert Presnell papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Gift of Mrs. Robert Presnell Sr., 1978-1991
Robert R. Presnell Sr. was an American screenwriter and producer, active during the 1930s and 1940s.
He served in the U.S. Signal Corps as a lieutenant colonel during World War II. Presnell moved to New
York in 1950 to work for the United Nations as a film promotion officer. He worked as a writer for
television from 1951 to 1954. Presnell scripted numerous industrial films for the Jam Handy Organization
and Regan Film Productions in Detroit from 1954 to 1956. Returning to Hollywood in late 1957, he
continued to write for television as a freelancer. Presnell's script for MEET JOHN DOE (1941) was
nominated for an Academy Award.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Robert Presnell papers span the years 1907-1977 (bulk 1930s-1950s) and encompass 6 linear feet.
The collection contains dozens of screenplays and treatments by Presnell. In addition there is
biographical data, contracts, some correspondence, extensive files relating to the work of the Signal
Corps, and a substantial record of Presnell's military career.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B.
Unproduced; 2. Television files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 3. Stage files,
subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 4. Story files; 5. Subject files
Presnell, Robert R., Sr. , 1894-1969--Archives.
producers
screenwriters