Gene Fowler papers, 1927-1975, undated, bulk 1940-1953

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Fowler, Gene, 1890-1960
Abstract:
Collection contains correspondence, manuscripts, photographs, drawings, media, and other materials collected and created by American journalist and author Gene Fowler. This includes his correspondence with Ben Hecht, S. Jay Kaufman, Sadakichi Hartman, Robert Hillyer, John Barrymore and general correspondence.
Extent:
2.5 linear feet (6 boxes)
Language:
The collection is in English .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [date if possible]. Gene Fowler papers (MS 086). Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection contains correspondence, manuscripts, photographs, drawings, media, and other materials collected and created by American journalist and author Gene Fowler. This includes his correspondence with Ben Hecht, S. Jay Kaufman, Sadakichi Hartman, Robert Hillyer, John Barrymore and general correspondence.

Biographical / historical:

Gene Fowler was born Eugene Devlan March 8, 1890 in Denver Colorado. After his father abandoned his mother she remarried and Gene was adopted by his stepfather giving him the name Fowler. After a failed career in taxidermy, Fowler moved on to writing. He attended the University of Colorado where he took his first writing job for the Denver Post and interviewed Buffalo Bill Cody. He then went on to work for the New York Daily Mirror and eventually became a newspaper syndication manager for King Features. He was known to be drinking buddies with artist John Decker, W.C. Fields, Sadakichi Hartmann, and John Barrymore who were referred to a the "Buddy Drive Boys" for their drinking antics at Decker's house on Buddy Drive. Barrymore and Fowler had first met while Fowler was a reporter for the New York American in 1918. Fowler wrote a book title "Minutes of the Last Meeting" on his friends which had originally started out as a biography on Sadakichi Hartmann. He also wrote many books and screenplays, most notably a biography on John Barrymore "Good Night, Sweet Prince" and 1935's "Call of the Wild" staring Clark Gable. Fowler also worked with Barrymore and director David O. Selznick on the movie "State's Attorny" in 1931. Fowler Married Agnes Hubbard in 1916 and had 3 children. He died July 2, 1960 in Los Angeles, California.

Acquisition information:
Purchased in 1978.
Processing information:

Processed by Ashley Franklin, 2011.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into five series as follows:

  • Series 1. Articles, notes, and other material, 1936-1972, undated
  • Series 2. Correspondence, 1927-1964, undated
  • Series 3. Manuscripts, 1940-1944, undated
  • Series 4. Media, 1952-1960, undated
  • Series 5. Photographs and drawings, 1931-1975, undated
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright Unknown: Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction, and/or commercial use, of some materials may be restricted by gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing agreement(s), and/or trademark rights. Distribution or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. To the extent other restrictions apply, permission for distribution or reproduction from the applicable rights holder is also required. Responsibility for obtaining permissions, and for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [date if possible]. Gene Fowler papers (MS 086). Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.

Location of this collection:
University of California, Riverside - Special Collections and University Archives
P.O. Box 5900
Riverside, CA 92517-5900, US
Contact:
(951) 827-3233