Cameraman and cinematographer Al Gilks is credited with over sixty films. The collection consists of photographs, clippings, scripts, and printed trade publications related to Gilks?s career from the 1920s to the 1950s. Additionally there are mounted photographs related to his involvement with William K. Vanderbilt film, Over the Seven Seas.

Al Gilks was born ca. 1892. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He started his career as a cameraman in 1918. During World War II, Gilks served as a member of the Field Photographic Unit of the Office of Strategic Services under John Ford and was involved in the filming of the ?Canal Report?. Gilks worked at Paramount Studios for many years but was also involved in productions for other studios including MGM, RKO Radio Pictures, and C.V. Whitney Pictures. During his career, Gilks worked with the likes of Dorothy Arzner and Sam Wood, among others. His motion picture credits includes over sixty films such as An American in Paris, North of 36, Old Ironsides, Ruggles of Red Gap and Dr. Kildare features. In 1922, Gilks became a member of the American Society of Cinematographers. While filming Old Ironsides in 1926, Gilks's Navy background was useful for capturing the natural sailing conditions and operation of one of the first "nautical" cameras. In 1932, Gilks was involved in Over the Seven Seas, a production documenting William K. Vanderbilt?s round-the-world cruise for the Marine Museum. In 1951, Gilks shared the Academy Award in cinematography for his work on the MGM production, An American in Paris. Gilks retired in 1960. He died in 1970 from a heart attack in Hollywood, California.

1.0 Linear Feet (2 flat boxes)

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