Presnell (Robert) papers, 1907-1977, bulk 1930s-1950s

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Summary

Title:
Robert Presnell papers
Dates:
1907-1977, bulk 1930s-1950s
Creators:
Presnell, Robert R., Sr.
Extent:
6 linear feet of papers.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Robert Presnell papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Background

Scope and content:

The Robert Presnell papers span the years 1907-1977 (bulk 1930s-1950s) and encompass 6 linear feet. The collection contains dozens of screenplays and treatments by Presnell. In addition there is biographical data, contracts, some correspondence, extensive files relating to the work of the Signal Corps, and a substantial record of Presnell's military career.

Biographical / historical:

Robert R. Presnell Sr. was an American screenwriter and producer, active during the 1930s and 1940s. He served in the U.S. Signal Corps as a lieutenant colonel during World War II. Presnell moved to New York in 1950 to work for the United Nations as a film promotion officer. He worked as a writer for television from 1951 to 1954. Presnell scripted numerous industrial films for the Jam Handy Organization and Regan Film Productions in Detroit from 1954 to 1956. Returning to Hollywood in late 1957, he continued to write for television as a freelancer. Presnell's script for MEET JOHN DOE (1941) was nominated for an Academy Award.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Mrs. Robert Presnell Sr., 1978-1991
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 2. Television files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 3. Stage files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 4. Story files; 5. Subject files

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

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Special Collections
Date Prepared:
© 2014
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from Inmagic. Date of source: May 27, 2014

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:

Robert Presnell 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
specialcollections@oscars.org
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