W. C. Fields papers

Special Collections
Margaret Herrick Library © 2013


Descriptive Summary

Title: W. C. Fields papers
Date (inclusive): 1898-1978
Date (bulk): 1898-1946
Collection number: 520
Creator: Fields, W. C.
Extent: 85 linear feet of papers.
Repository: Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages: English

Important Information for Users of the Collection

Access

Available by appointment only.

Publication rights

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.

Preferred Citation

W. C. Fields papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Acquisition Information

Gift of the W. C. Fields family, 2006, with additions from Allen Fields, 2008

Biography

W. C. Fields was an actor, comedian, and screenwriter most active in film from the mid-1920s to mid- 1940s. From his humble beginnings as a juggler, he embarked on a career as a vaudeville comedian and stage actor. Fields appeared in a number of silent films and early sound films before finding his place as a comedy writer and actor portraying memorable screen curmudgeons.

Collection Scope and Content Summary

The W. C. Fields papers span the years 1898-1978 (bulk 1898-1946) and encompass approximately 85 linear feet. The collection includes scripts and production material, contracts, correspondence, scrapbooks, artifacts, posters, and photographs.

Arrangement

Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 2. Stage files; 3. Radio files; 4. Story files; 5. Correspondence; 6. Subject files, subseries A-B as follows: A. General; B. Estate and probate research files; 7. Legal papers; 8. Financial papers; 9. Other papers; 10. Writings; 11. Scrapbooks; 12. Oversize

Indexing Terms

Fields, W. C. (William Claude) , 1880-1946--Archives.
actors