Lanchester (Elsa) papers, 1895-1976, bulk 1930s-1970s

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Elsa Lanchester papers
Dates:
1895-1976, bulk 1930s-1970s
Creators:
Lanchester, Elsa
Extent:
39 linear feet of papers.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Elsa Lanchester papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Background

Scope and content:

The Elsa Lanchester papers span the years 1895-1976 (bulk 1930s-1970s) and encompass 39 linear feet. The collection includes scripts; correspondence; clippings; writings by Lanchester, including voluminous files with manuscripts, correspondence, clippings, and interview transcripts related to her published ("Elsa Lanchester Herself") and unpublished (?he Lanchester Case,?on her mother, and ?augh It Off,?a cookbook) works; juvenilia, including childhood art; genealogy; and photographs. There is considerable material related to Charles Laughton, including material for his ?eadings?f classic literature.

Biographical / historical:

Elsa Lanchester was a British-born actress active in film from 1927 to 1980. She married actor Charles Laughton in 1929 and the couple moved to Hollywood in 1934. Lanchester received two Academy Award nominations in the actress in a supporting role category for COME TO THE STABLE (1949) and WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION (1958).

Acquisition information:
Bequest of the Elsa Lanchester estate, 1987
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series: Not arranged in series.

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

Indexed terms

Subjects:
actresses
Names:
Lanchester, Elsa , 1902-1986--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 04, 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:

Elsa Lanchester 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