The Earl Theisen collection spans the years 1773-1935 (bulk 1895-1934) and encompasses 4 linear feet. The collection consists primarily of correspondence and general material, including patents, relating to the early history of the cinema. Also, there are a small number of books, periodicals, and pamphlets. The photograph series consists entirely of motion picture film-frame specimens. The film frames, collected by Theisen in the 1920s and 1930s, number in the hundreds and document a wide variety of formats in relation to image size, sound on film, and color processes.

Earl Theisen was an American journalist and historian. In 1931 he began researching early cinema history and collecting artifacts under the auspices of the Los Angeles Museum and the Society of Motion Picture Engineers.

1 linear feet of papers. 3 linear feet of photographs.

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.

Available by appointment only.