Collection Guide
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Earl Theisen collection
131
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Table of contents
Title: Earl Theisen collection
Date (inclusive): 1773-1935
Date (bulk): 1895-1934
Collection number: 131
Creator:
Theisen, Earl
Extent:
1 linear feet of papers.
3 linear feet of photographs.
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.
Earl Theisen collection, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Gift of Earl Theisen, 1949
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.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
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.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: 1. Correspondence; 2. Subject files, subseries A-B as follows: A.
General; B. Books and periodicals; 3. Photographs (Subject)
Theisen, Earl , 1903-1973--Archives.
collectors
historians
journalists