Bucquet (Harold S.) papers, 1927-1946

Collection context

Summary

Dates:
1927-1946
Creators:
Bucquet, Harold S.
Abstract:
The collection consists primarily of clippings, scripts, and scrapbooks. Twenty-nine Bucquet-directed MGM films—18 features and 11 shorts—are represented by publicity clippings and reviews, and half of these also have script material. Nineteen scrapbooks contain photographs and clippings covering most of the films directed by Bucquet between 1937 and 1944. A small amount of correspondence and several issues of the "MGM Studio News" (1939-1940) are also included.
Extent:
4 linear ft. of papers
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:

Harold S. Bucquet papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Background

Scope and content:

The Harold S. Bucquet papers span the years 1927-1946 and encompass 4 linear feet. The collection consists primarily of clippings, scripts, and scrapbooks. Twenty-nine Bucquet-directed MGM films—18 features and 11 shorts—are represented by publicity clippings and reviews, and half of these also have script material. The features include THE ADVENTURES OF TARTU (1943), THE GREEN YEARS (1946), and YOUNG DR. KILDARE (1938). The shorts range from OLD SHEP (1934) to WHAT PRICE SAFETY! (1938). Nineteen scrapbooks contain photographs and clippings covering most of the films directed by Bucquet between 1937 and 1944. Of special interest in the scrapbooks are credit sheets for the shorts and photographs in which every person is identified. A small amount of correspondence, several issues of the "MGM Studio News" (1939-1940), and a large number of clippings covering Bucquet's career are also included.

Biographical / historical:

Harold S. Bucquet (1891-1946) was born in London. He emigrated to the United States as a teenager and later became an American citizen. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War I, he began working as a film extra. Bucquet was a set designer before becoming assistant to independent producer Allen J. Holubar. After Holubar's death in 1923, Bucquet worked as an assistant director at MGM and then, in the 1930s, as a test director at the same studio. He was given a chance to direct the short subject OLD SHEP in 1934, and in 1938 directed his first feature, YOUNG DR. KILDARE. He continued to direct the "Dr. Kildare" series as well as such films as ON BORROWED TIME (1939) and DRAGON SEED (1944). Illness forced his withdrawal as director of THE GREEN YEARS (1946), his last film.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Howard S. Bucquet, Mrs. Alice B. McCully, and Mrs. James Stoessel, 1975
Arrangement:

1. Production files; 2. Subject files; 3. Scrapbooks

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

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Directors
Names:
Bucquet, Harold S.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Catalogued by Almendarez, Val
Date Prepared:
Published January 2023
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid encoded by Ahn, Stella. Date of source: January 5, 2023.

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:

Harold S. Bucquet 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