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Clara Bow papers
511
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Table of contents
Title: Clara Bow papers
Date (inclusive): 1926-1965
Date (bulk): 1926-1935, 1950-1964
Collection number: 511
Creator:
Bow, Clara
Extent:
3.5 linear feet of papers.
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
English
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Available by appointment only.
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.
Clara Bow papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Gift of Rex Bell Jr., 2002
Clara Bow was an American actress active from 1923 to 1933. In 1924, Bow was named a WAMPAS baby star
by the Western Association of Motion Picture Advertisers, the highest honor of the day for an aspiring
screen actress. She reached the height of her popularity as a shop girl who seduces her employer in IT
(1927). Bow was consequently dubbed "the 'It' Girl" - "It" being a euphemism for sex-appeal. Her next
film, WINGS (1927) became one of the biggest successes of the silent era, winning the first Academy Award
for Best Picture. In addition to being Paramount's first sound film, THE WILD PARTY (1929) marked Bow's
sound film debut. Bow's fame waned when she failed to attain the popularity she enjoyed in the silent
era. In 1931, Bow took a one year hiatus from acting and married actor Rex Bell. Bow signed a two-picture
deal with Fox Film Corporation in 1932 and returned to the screen with two films: CALL HER SAVAGE (1932)
and HOOPLA (1933).
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Clara Bow papers span the years 1926-1965 (bulk 1926-1935 and 1950-1964) and encompass
approximately 3.5 linear feet. There are clippings, reviews, and publicity materials for CALL HER SAVAGE
(1932), DANGEROUS CURVES (1929), HOOPLA (1933), IT (1927), MANTRAP (1926), THE PLASTIC AGE (1926), RED
HAIR (1928), and WINGS (1927). The subject files consists of clippings, correspondence, and fan mail. Of
particular interest is Bow's fan mail, ranging in years from 1926 to 1965.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files; 2. Subject files; 3. Oversize
Bow, Clara , 1905-1965--Archives.
actresses