Descriptive Summary
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Biography
Collection Scope and Content Summary
Indexing Terms
Descriptive Summary
Title: Lester Cowan papers
Date (inclusive): 1923-1980s
Date (bulk): 1930s-1950s
Collection number: 207
Creator:
Cowan, Lester
Extent:
72 linear feet of papers.
6.5 linear feet of photographs.
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
English
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Access
Available by appointment only.
Publication rights
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.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Robert Cowan, 1994
Biography
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.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
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.
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
Indexing Terms
Cowan, Lester , 1906-1990--Archives.
producers