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Willis O'Brien Scrapbooks, ca. 1929-30, 1933
P-141  
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Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • Descriptive Summary
  • Access
  • Publication Rights
  • Preferred Citation
  • Acquisition Information
  • Biography/Administrative History
  • Scope and Content of Collection
  • Indexing Terms

  • Descriptive Summary

    Title: Willis O'Brien Scrapbooks, ca. 1929-30, 1933
    Dates: 1929-1933
    Collection Number: P-141
    Creator/Collector:
    Extent: .5 linear feet (Boxes: ½ letter, 1 ov)
    Repository: Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
    Abstract: Two scrapbooks of photos compiled by O'Brien, best known for his work on King Kong.
    Language of Material: English

    Access

    Research is by appointment only

    Publication Rights

    Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder

    Preferred Citation

    Willis O'Brien Scrapbooks, ca. 1929-30, 1933. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

    Biography/Administrative History

    Willis O'Brien (1886-1962), was an American specialist in the creation of monster animals for use in stop-motion techniques.

    Scope and Content of Collection

    Two scrapbooks of photos compiled by O'Brien, best known for his work on King Kong: 1929-30 FBO Glass Matte Scrapbook A collection of photos showing sets before and after the glass mattes were added for various 1930 FBO releases. Most were executed and signed by Byron Crabbe and/or Mario Larrinaga and a few by Willis O'Brien. On the back of one is a rough pencil sketch of a gorilla. Son of Kong (1933) Photo Album Willis O'Brien's personal scrapbook containing 295 3x4 inch black & white photos showing matte work for Son of Kong and stills as well as behind the scenes shots of the sequences involving animation of the three-dimensional models. A black and white photograph of O'Brien inscribed by him in 1932 for the Museum's then curator of motion pictures, Earl Theisen.