Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- First National Pictures
- Extent:
- 30 linear feet of photographs.
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The First National Pictures photographs span the years 1920-1931 and encompass 30 linear feet. The collection consists of 18,370 photographic prints for 144 films. The majority of the material consists of scenes, but there are also many off-camera and publicity portrait photographs. Typical files average more than 100 photographs per title.
- Biographical / historical:
-
First National Pictures was an American motion picture exhibitor and producer. The company, founded in 1917 as First National Exhibitors Circuit, Inc., was formed by 27 independent motion picture exhibitors. In 1922 it opened a studio in Burbank, California, and began producing its own films. Between 1920 and 1925 the company was known as Associated First National Pictures. In 1928 Warner Bros. absorbed First National by acquiring the Stanley Company, First National's majority stockholder. Shortly thereafter, Warner Bros. moved its principal production facility to First National's Burbank lot. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, First National was still considered a separate production entity and remained so at least until the early 1930s. Even after that, primarily in the 1930s and 1940s, certain Warner Bros. films were designated as First National productions and releases. The First National banner occasionally appeared on some Warner Bros. films as late as 1956.
- Acquisition information:
- Gift of Sid and Diana Avery, 1989-1991, with additions from Kay E. Kuter and Jean Kuter Harvey, 1991
- Arrangement:
-
Arranged in the following series: 1. Motion picture production photographs
- Rules or conventions:
- Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Indexed terms
- Names:
- First National Pictures
Access and use
- Location of this collection:
-
333 S. La Cienega BlvdBeverly Hills, CA 90211, US
- Contact:
- (310) 247-3036 extension 2226