Cowan (Lester) papers, 1923-1980s, bulk 1930s-1950s

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Lester Cowan papers
Dates:
1923-1980s, bulk 1930s-1950s
Creators:
Cowan, Lester
Extent:
72 linear feet of papers. 6.5 linear feet of photographs.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Lester Cowan papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Background

Scope and content:

The Lester Cowan papers span the years 1923-1980s (bulk 1930s-1950s) and encompass approximately 78.5 linear feet. The collection contains production files and scripts, correspondence, subject files, scrapbooks, and photographs. The photograph series consists of albums, prints, slides, and negatives of motion picture production, stage production, biography, and subject photographs.

Biographical / historical:

Lester Cowan was an American producer active in film from 1933 to 1953. He was employed by the Academy in 1928 and served as executive secretary between 1931 and 1933. He turned to film production in the mid- 1930s and produced films through his company, Lester Cowan Productions, in the 1940s and 1950s. Cowan was married to songwriter Ann Ronell.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Robert Cowan, 1994
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 2. Subject files, subseries A-B as follows: A. General; B. Ann Ronell; 3. Scrapbooks, subseries A-B as follows: A. Lester Cowan; B. Ann Ronell; 4. Photographs

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
producers
Names:
Cowan, Lester , 1906-1990--Archives.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Special Collections
Date Prepared:
© 2013
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from Inmagic. Date of source: November 01, 2013

Access and use

Restrictions:

Available by appointment only.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Lester Cowan papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Location of this collection:
333 S. La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211, US
Contact:
(310) 247-3036 extension 2226