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Ernie Kovacs collection 2193
2193  
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Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • 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