Finding Aid for the Harvey Lembeck Papers, 1946-1982

Processed by Norma M. Vega and Julie L. Graham; machine-readable finding aid created by Norma M. Vega and Julie Graham
UCLA Library, Performing Arts Special Collections
University of California, Los Angeles, Library
Performing Arts Special Collections, Room A1713
Charles E. Young Research Library, Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575
Phone: (310) 825-4988
Fax: (310) 206-1864
Email: speccoll-paging@library.ucla.edu
http://www2.library.ucla.edu/specialcollections/performingarts/index.cfm
© 2005
The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.


Descriptive Summary

Title: Harvey Lembeck Papers
Date (inclusive): 1946-1982
Collection number: 287
Creator: Lembeck, Harvey
Extent: 4 boxes (2 linear ft.) and 1 carton (1.5 linear ft.)
Abstract: Harvey Lembeck made his acting debut in the Broadway production of Mr. Roberts (1948) and went on to establish himself in film, television, and on stage. The collection consists of photographs, clippings, ephemera and a small number of scripts related to his career.
Repository: University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Performing Arts Special Collections.
Los Angeles, California 90095-1575
Physical location: Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library, Performing Arts Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.

Administrative Information

Restrictions on Access

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Advance notice required for access.

Restrictions on Use and Reproduction

Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library, Performing Arts Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.

Provenance/Source of Acquisition

Gift of Mrs. C. Lembeck, 2004.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Harvey Lembeck Papers (Collection 287). Performing Arts Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.

Biography

Harvey Lembeck was born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 15, 1923. His numerous credits include roles in film, television, and theater. He made his acting debut in the Broadway production of Mr. Roberts with Henry Fonda (1948). His film work includes Stalag 17 (1953), Love with the Proper Stranger (1963), T he Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), and he is well known for his recurring role as Erich Von Zipper in a string of 1960s beach party films. He established his television career as Rocco Barbella on The Phil Silvers Show: You'll Never Get Rich (1955-1959). He founded the Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop (1964) to train performers in the art of comedy. Lembeck died in Beverly Hills, CA, on January 5, 1982.

Scope and Content

The bulk of the collection consists of photographs, clippings, and/or printed ephemera for a variety of motion picture, television, and stage projects related to the career of actor Harvey Lembeck. Additionally, there are a small number of scripts for selected projects including, Anytown USA, Hotel or Why Do You Need Such Big Potatoes, Mother Juggs and Speed, Nice People, Man of La Mancha, and a project titled Von Zipper, among others. It is important to mention that there are no scripts for number of other projects in which Lembeck was involved, such as beach party films, Ensign O'Toole, Love with a Proper Stranger, Mr. Roberts, Sergeant Bilko, Stalag 17, or The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Additional materials in the collection include a small number of fan letters (1950s, 1970s, and 1980s); a small amount of clippings and printed ephemera related to the Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop; and a small sampling of photographs documenting in a small way Lembeck's philanthropic associations. File titles were supplied by the processor.

Organization and Arrangement

Arranged in the following series:
  1. Series 1. Awards (Box 1)
  2. Series 2. Baseball Team (Box 1)
  3. Series 3. Business Files (Box 1)
  4. Series 4. Education (Box 4)
  5. Series 5. Fan Mail (Box 1)
  6. Series 6. Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop (Box 1)
  7. Series 7. Material related to the Death of Harvey Lembeck (Box 1)
  8. Series 8. Philanthropic Work (Box 1).
  9. Series 9. Projects (Boxes 1-5)
  10. Series 10. Resumes (Box 1)

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects

Lembeck, Harvey--1982--Archives.
Actors--United States--Archival resources.


 

Series 1. Awards (1975, 1980; Box 1)

Scope and Content Note

The series includes award certificates from the Actors Fund and National Society of Literature and the Arts.
Box 1, Folder 23

Certificates from Actors Fund and National Society of Literature and the Arts 1975, 1980

 

Series 2. Baseball Team (no date; Box 1)

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of one file containing seven photographs of baseball teams organized by Lembeck. There was no background information available about the teams, but it appears they include individuals from the entertainment industry. The photographs are not dated or labeled, and are not arranged in a particular order.
Box 1, Folder 10

Baseball team photographs (teams organized by HL) (7 items) no date

 

Series 3. Business Files (1950s-1990s; Box 1)

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of one file of contracts and agreements for various television and commercials appearances. The file is arranged chronologically.
Box 1, Folder 4

Contracts and agreements for various projects 1950s-1990s

Note

Mostly for television appearances and commercials ads.
 

Series 4. Education (ca. 1946-1947; Box 4)

Scope and Content Note

This series contains a copy of student transcripts from New York University Washington Square College of Arts and Science, ca.1946-47.
Box 1, Folder 21

New York University Washington Square College of Arts and Science student copy of transcripts (2 copies) ca. 1946-47

 

Series 5. Fan Mail (1946-1980s; Box 1)

Scope and Content Note

This series is one folder of fan letters written to Lembeck and includes notes from Lembeck's parents. The letters are arranged chronologically.
Box 1, Folder 3

Note cards from parents (2) 1946, 1968, 1980

Box 1, Folder 7

Fan letters to Lembeck 1950s, 1970s, 1980s

 

Series 6. Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop (1975, 1978-1986, 1999; Box 1)

Scope and Content Note

The Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop started in 1964, and was born out of Lembeck's desire to create an environment where professionals could grow and hone their comedic talents. The series includes two folders. One folder contains a small mixture of press clippings, printed ephemera, and thank you notes (believed to be from students). The other folder contains a drawing by [Lisa] Leeman titled A Comedy Class, which is believed to be related to the workshop. The material is arranged chronologically.
Box 1, Folder 12

A Comedy Class - drawing by [Lisa] Leeman 1975

Note

Believed to be related to Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop.
Box 1, Folder 13

Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop file 1978-1986; 1999

Note

Clippings, thank you notes from [students], and printed ephemera.
 

Series 7. Material related to the Death of Harvey Lembeck (1940s-1980s; Box 1)

Scope and Content Note

This series includes two files. One file contains a small number of documents compiled by Mrs. Lembeck regarding Equity/Pension benefits. The other consists of obituaries written about Lembeck. The documents and obituaries are arranged chronologically.
Box 1, Folder 5

Equity/Pension 1940s-1980s

Note

Appears to be Receipts, contracts, statements, and photocopies of Playbills and clippings compiled by Mrs. Lembeck regarding survivor benefits following Harvey Lemeck's death.
Box 1, Folder 6

Obituaries written about HL 1982

 

Series 8. Philanthropic Work (1954; ca. 1960s, ca. 1970s; Box 1).

Scope and Content Note

The series includes a small number of photographs and printed ephemera documenting in a small way Lembeck's association with Eddie Cantor Loge B'nai B'rith, the American Veterans of World War II (AMVET), and a Columbia Hospital charitable event. The files are arranged alphabetically by organization name.
Box 1, Folder 8

Columbia Hospital Fashion Show luncheon photograph with HL no date

Box 1, Folder 9

Eddie Cantor Loge, B'nai B'rith 1960s, 1970s

Note

Certificate, photographs, unsigned speech and other printed ephemera recognizing Lembeck's service to the organization.
Box 1, Folder 11

AMVET (American Veterans of World War II) - photographs and press release featuring HL 1954

 

Series 9. Projects (ca. 1940s-1980s; Boxes 1-5)

Scope and Content Note

The series is comprised of photographs, clippings, and/or printed ephemera for a variety career related projects in which Lembeck was involved. Also included is a small number of scripts for selected projects including Anytown USA, Hotel or Why Do You Need Such Big Potatoes, Mother Juggs and Speed, Nice People, Man of La Mancha, and a project titled Von Zipper, among others. There are no scripts for beach party films, Love with a Proper Stranger, Mr. Roberts, Sergeant Bilko, or Stalag 17. The series is arranged alphabetically into sub-series by project title.
Box 5

Binders for scripts no date

Note

Binders/covers are from scripts in the collection except for Captain Kangaroo binder. Binders were removed as preservation measure.
 

Additional Press Clippings

Box 2, Folder 14

Assorted press clippings 1953; 1959; 1963; 1967; 1970; 1974; 1984

Note

Reviews and promotional or publicity write ups for Lembeck and/or the various projects for which he was associated
 

Anytown, U.S.A.

Box 3, Folder 3

Anytown, U.S.A. - 2nd draft script 1979 Jun 17

 

Anytown, USA

Box 3, Folder 4

Anytown, U.S.A. - revised first draft script 1979 Jun 25

Box 3, Folder 5

Anytown, U.S.A. - script no date

 

Beach Party

Box 1, Folder 15

Beach Party - clippings 1964

 

Bell Are Ringing

Box 3, Folder 6

Bells Are Ringing - program (Jun 29 - Jul 4) no date

 

Clorox Liquid Plumber

Box 1, Folder 1

Advertisement for Clorox Liquid Plumber ad - audiotape no date

Note

RESTRICTED FROM ACCESS: Use of audio materials may require production of listening or viewing copies.
 

Command (The)

Box 1, Folder 17

Command (The) - clippings 1954

 

Command Decision

Box 3, Folder 7

Command Decision - script material and program no date

 

Ensign O'Toole

Box 1, Folder 18

Ensign O'Toole - clippings, photographs, and press release 1962-963

 

Fiorello

Box 3, Folder 8

Fiorello - playbill and clippings 1959

 

Frogman

Box 3, Folder 9

Frogman - photographs (8 items) no date

 

George and Alana Show

Box 3, Folder 10

George and Alana - revised first draft script 1978 May-June

Note

Pilot script for half-hour daily comedy-talk show serial. With Hollywood Reporter (6/2/1978). Script binder in box 5.
 

Girls In The Night

Box 1, Folder 19

Girls In The Night - photographs (18 items) 1953

Box 1, Folder 20

Girls In The Night - clippings 1953

 

Harrison and Tyler Show

Box 3, Folder 11

Harrison and Tyler Show (The) - script 1976 Aug 23

Note

Script binder in box 5.
 

Horowitz of Dublin Castle

Box 4, Folder 1

Horowitz of Dublin Castle - script 1974 Jan 14

Note

With photographs and clipping
 

Hotel (The) - or - Why Do You Need Such Big Potatoes?

Box 3, Folder 13

Hotel (The) - or - Why Do You Need Such Big Potatoes? - script no date

Box 3, Folder 14

Hotel (The) - or - Why Do You Need Such Big Potatoes? - carbon copy of a script 1969 Mar 10

 

How To Succeed In The Tuna Business Without Really Trying

Box 4, Folder 2

How To Succeed In The Tuna Business Without Really Trying - script and program 1978-1979

Note

Script binder in box 5.
 

I Was A Carnival Confidence Girl

Box 4, Folder 3

I Was A Carnival Confidence Girl no date

Note

Magazine pages where Harvey Lembeck's image was used for story
 

Kaluna Tropical Drinks

Box 1, Folder 1

Advertisement for Kaluna Tropical Drinks ad - audiotape no date

Note

RESTRICTED FROM ACCESS: Use of audio materials may require production of listening or viewing copies.
 

Lopez

Box 4, Folder 4

Lopez - script no date

 

Man of La Mancha

Box 2, Folder 1

Man of La Mancha - script 1965

Box 2, Folder 2

Man of La Mancha - photographs and ephemera 1966-1967

Note

Includes piece of cloth with [cast members?] signatures .
Box 2, Folder 3

Man of La Mancha - sheet music no date

Box 2, Folder 4

Man of La Mancha - clippings 1967

Box 5

Man of La Mancha - David Atkinson photograph inscribed to HL no date

Note

Appears to be cast member from production of Man of La Mancha.
 

Mission Over Korea

Box 4, Folder 5

Mission Over Korea - clippings 1953

 

Mister Roberts (stage)

Box 2, Folder 5

Mister Roberts (stage) - photographs, programs, and telegrams 1948

Box 2, Folder 6

Mister Roberts (stage) - clippings 1948-1949

 

Mother, Juggs and Speed

Box 4, Folder 6

Mother, Juggs and Speed - script and shooting schedule 1978

Note

Script binder in box 5.
 

Nice People

Box 4, Folder 7

Nice People - script no date

Box 4, Folder 8

Nice People - script and photograph no date

 

Oklahoma

Box 4, Folder 9

Oklahoma - theater programs and photocopies of clippings 1958 - 1959

 

Oliver

Box 2, Folder 7

Oliver - script and ephemera 1966

 

Phoenix '55

Box 2, Folder 8

Phoenix '55 - theater program and playbill 1955

Box 2, Folder 9

Phoenix '55 - clippings for theater production 1955

 

Photographs

Box 3, Folder 2

HL photograph negatives no date

Note

Photographic prints for selected negatives may be found in Box 3, folder 1.
 

Sergeant Bilko

Box 4, Folder 10

Sergeant Bilko - photographs and clipping 1955, 1973

Note

With one slide and an original drawing of Harvey Lembeck and Allan Melvin in their Bilko roles by Joe E. O'Connell (1955).
 

Singles Bar

Box 4, Folder 11

Singles Bar - shooting setup no date

 

Something Old Or Something New

Box 2, Folder 10

Something Old Or Something New - notes no date

 

Stalag 17 (motion picture)

Box 2, Folder 11

Stalag 17 (motion picture) - clippings 1953

 

Stalag 17 (stage)

Box 2, Folder 12

Stalag 17 (stage) - photographs and playbill 1951

Box 2, Folder 13

Stalag 17 (stage) - clippings 1951

 

There Is No 13

Box 1, Folder 14

There Is No 13 - printed ephemera for 24th Berlin International Film Festival ca. 1980s

 

Thieves (The)

Box 4, Folder 12

Thieves (The) - notes no date

 

U.S.S. Teakettle

Box 4, Folder 15

U.S.S. Teakettle - photographs and cast sheet no date

Box 4, Folder 16

U.S.S. Teakettle - clippings 1951

 

Unidentified Projects

Box 1, Folder 24

Frank Sinatra jokes - notes for bit (unknown event) no date

Box 2, Folder 17

Unidentified photographs for [television project?] no date

Note

Appears to be publicity photographs for television project.
Box 2, Folder 18

Unidentified projects notes no date

Box 3, Folder 12

Here Comes Diana Pechefsky (The Huntress) - [continuity script?] no date

Box 4, Folder 13

Uncle Frank - or - Services Unlimited - treatment 1978

Box 4, Folder 14

Untitled script pages no date

Box 3, Folder 1

HL photographs (45 items) [1940s-1980s]

Note

Mostly head shots with some candid shots of Harvey Lembeck. Negatives for selected items may be found in Box 3, folder 2.
 

Von Zipper

Box 1, Folder 16

Von Zipper - script and notes 1964

 

We Open In New Haven

Box 1, Folder 2

We Open In New Haven - photograph no date

Note

Photograph of TAV Celebrity Theater marquee mounted on wood plaque.
Box 4, Folder 19

We Open In New Haven - script no date

Note

Script binder in box 5.
Box 4, Folder 20

We Open In New Haven - photographs of cast and crew (66 items) no date

 

Wedding Breakfast

Box 4, Folder 17

Wedding Breakfast - printed ephemera 1954

Box 4, Folder 18

Wedding Breakfast - clippings 1954

 

Willie and Joe Back At The Front

Box 2, Folder 15

Willie and Joe Back At The Front - photographs (20 items) no date

Box 2, Folder 16

Willie and Joe Back At The Front - clippings and press book 1952-1953

 

You'll Never Get Rich

Box 4, Folder 21

You'll Never Get Rich - clippings 1955

 

Series 10. Resumes ([pre-1980s; Box 1)

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of two resumes and a printed image of Lembeck.
Box 1, Folder 22

Harvey Lembeck Resumes [pre-1980s?]

Note

Two resumes and printed image of Lembeck on cardstock.