Description
The Pete Smith papers span the years 1931-1974 (bulk 1931-1955) and encompass 4 linear feet. The
collection consists primarily of scripts and/or narrations for some 260 short subject films produced by
Smith between 1931 and 1955. There is also material collected by Smith for a proposed book on his early
years as a publicist and five scrapbooks that contain newspaper and magazine clippings, correspondence,
and photographs from 1931 to 1974.
Background
Pete Smith was an American film producer. Smith was best known for producing, writing, and narrating
numerous short films for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) from 1931 through 1954. His sixteen Academy Award
nominations in the short subject categories between 1932 and 1950 resulted in Oscars for PENNY WISDOM
(1937) and QUICKER 'N A WINK (1940). He received a 1953 Honorary Academy Award. Smith served on the
Academy Board of Governors.
Extent
4 linear feet of papers.
Restrictions
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.
Availability
Available by appointment only.