Arrangement
Biographical note
Conditions Governing Access
Conditions Governing Use
Scope and Content
Preferred Citation
Title: Ernie Kovacs collection
Collection number: 2193
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Cinematic Arts Library
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
4.0 Linear feet
4 boxes
Date (inclusive): 1951-1961
Abstract: This collection primarily contains scripts, rundowns, and notes from the career of Ernie Kovacs, circa 1951-1961. The collection
also contains small amounts of other production material including treatments, prop lists, guest lists, cue sheets, lyric
sheets, and other related items.
creator:
Kovacs, Ernie, 1919-1962
Arrangement
The Ernie Kovacs collection is organized into two series. The first series is entitled "Show Scripts", and the material is
arranged chronologically. The second series is entitled "Bit Scripts" and begins with Box 3: Folder 38. The material is arranged
alphabetically by Title starting with Box 4: Folder 7. The material from Box 3: Folder 38 to Box 4: Folder 6 is not arranged
alphabetically, but is dated from 1954-1956.
Biographical note
Born in Trenton, New Jersey in 1919, Ernie Kovacs began his career working in radio, then later went on to become one of television's
early pioneers in the 1950's. Known for his spontaneity, Kovacs is considered to be one of the first innovators of television
sketch comedy, and his use of visual illusions, special effects, and sight gags were unlike anything seen before on television.
In May of 1962, Kovacs won an Emmy for his series of half-hour television specials for ABC. The award was given posthumously,
as Kovacs was killed in an automobile crash on January 13 of that year.
Conditions Governing Access
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.
Conditions Governing Use
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Cinematic Arts Librarian.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Cinematic Arts Library as the owner of the physical items and is not
intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Scope and Content
This collection primarily contains scripts, rundowns, and notes from the career of Ernie Kovacs, circa 1951-1961. The collection
also contains small amounts of other production material including treatments, prop lists, guest lists, cue sheets, lyric
sheets, and other related items.
Preferred Citation
[Box/folder# or item name], Ernie Kovacs collection, Collection no. 2193, Cinematic Arts Library, USC Libraries, University
of Southern California
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Kovacs, Ernie, 1919-1962 -- Archives
Comedy sketches--Archival resources
Television broadcasting--Archival resources
Television comedies--Archival resources
Television comedy writers--Archival resources
Television commercials--Archival resources
Television personalities--United States--Archival resources
Television programs--Archival resources
Television scripts
Television series--Archival resources
Television writers--United States--Archival resources
Television--Archival resources