Description
Russell Juarez Birdwell was a reporter for Hearst Newspapers and subsequently the head of publicity for David O. Selznick
(ca. 1936-193), for whom he directed the publicity campaign for
Gone with the Wind. Thereafter he worked independently as publicity agent for actors and other celebrities and for American businesses. The
collection pertains both to individual clients and to Birdwell's personal and professional interests, and includes extensive
correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, and press releases.
Background
Russell Juarez Birdwell was born on October 17, 1903. He worked for Hearst newspapers in Los Angeles and New York, and covered
Charles Lindbergh's takeoff for Paris. He directed two silent movies in 1929 and a short in 1933. Subsequently he became the
head of publicity for David O. Selznick. In February 1939 he opened his own office, Russell Birdwell and Associates, in Beverly
Hills and New York, with occasional offices in London and Chicago. Among the many he publicized were actresses Carole Lombard,
Marlene Dietrich, Janet Gaynor, Joan Blondell, and Jane Russell; companies Celotex and Associated Filmmakers; businessman
Howard Hughes; King Carol II of Romania; and major films including Gone with the Wind and The Outlaw. In 1939 he published the autobiographical novel I Ring Doorbells. In 1941 he traveled to England and wrote the book Women in Battle Dress (1942) based on his observations. In later years he published a volume of poetry (1969) and the novel Mount Horeb (1972). He died on December 15, 1977 in Oxnard, California.
Extent
29.51 Linear Feet
(59 boxes and 1 oversize box)
Restrictions
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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.
Availability
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