James Raker papers
Special Collections
Margaret Herrick Library
© 2014
Title: James Raker papers
Date (inclusive): 1948-1980
Date (bulk): 1960s-1970s
Collection number: 418
Creator:
Raker, James
Extent:
4.2 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.
James Raker papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
James R. Raker was an advertising executive active in film from the 1950s through 1970s. Starting at
Universal around 1945, he worked his way up to copy chief before being named head of the advertising
department for Universal-International in 1955. In that capacity he oversaw the departmental operations
of the creative advertising staff. Raker went on to serve as an advertising department manager for Walt
Disney and, in the 1960s, for Charles Schlaifer and American International Pictures. He was a longtime
member of the Publicists Guild of America.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The James Raker papers span the years 1948-1980 (bulk 1960s-1970s) and encompass 4.2 linear feet. The
collection contains advertising slogan ideas for publicity campaigns for 221 films released by American
International Pictures (AIP) from 1961 to 1980, 27 films released by Buena Vista from 1958 to the 1970s,
90 films released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1958 to 1968, 75 films released by Universal-International
from 1948 to 1958, and some other releases for a total of more than 500 films. A typical folder in the
production files contains several sheets of paper, each with typewritten or handwritten advertising copy
in the form of slogans or taglines. The material is arranged alphabetically by film title. The television
files include advertising slogans for three titles. The subject files include drafts of publicity for
AIP, a few stories by Raker, suggested titles for films grouped by genre, and taglines for unidentified
films.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files; 2. Television files; 3. Subject files.
Raker, James--Archives.
executives