Collection Guide
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Richard Brooks papers
206
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Abstract: The collection contains production files, scripts, correspondence, clippings, a scrapbook, and photographs.
Collector:
Brooks, Richard
Dates: 1950-1989
Collection number: 206
Collection Size:
105 linear ft. of papers
22 linear ft. of photos
7 item(s) of posters
1 item(s) of artworks
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
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.
Richard Brooks papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Bequest of the Richard Brooks estate 1993-1996, with additions from Tracy Granger, 2000 and 2016, and the Richard Brooks estate,
2009
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Richard Brooks papers span the years 1950s-1980s and encompass approximately 105 linear feet. The collection contains
production files (including scripts), correspondence, and clippings. There are extensive script drafts and production material
for BITE THE BULLET (1975), THE BLACKBOARD JUNGLE (1955), THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV (1958), CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (1958), ELMER
GANTRY (1960), FEVER PITCH (1985), IN COLD BLOOD (1967), LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR (1977), LORD JIM (1965), THE PROFESSIONALS
(1966), SOMETHING OF VALUE (1957), SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH (1962), and WRONG IS RIGHT (1982).
The photograph series of the Richard Brooks papers spans the 1940s to the early 1990s and encompasses approximately 22 linear
feet. The series consists of 53,349 items, including prints, negatives, slides, and transparencies. The photographs are grouped
into motion picture production photographs and biography photographs.
The motion picture production photographs span the years 1947-1985. The material is arranged alphabetically by film title
and consists of scene, off-camera, candid, publicity portrait, set reference, location research, subject research, wardrobe
reference, hair/make-up reference, and advertising art photographs. Most of these files are extensive. Among the titles represented
are "Blackboard Jungle" (1955), "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958), "Elmer Gantry" (1960), "In Cold Blood" (1967), "Looking for
Mr. Goodbar" (1977), and "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1962).
The biography photographs span the 1940s to the early 1990s and include Brooks's awards and honors, general publicity, portraits,
and travels. Persons depicted include Milton Berle, Mel Brooks, Tony Curtis, Olivia de Havilland, Angie Dickinson, Hugh Hefner,
Jack Nicholson, Joe Pasternak, Burt Reynolds, Jean Simmons, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Richard Brooks (1912-1992), born Ruben Sax in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a director, producer, and screenwriter. After
working as a writer for NBC radio, he entered the field of screenwriting in 1942; and after his three years in the U.S. Marines
during World War II, he worked on the screenplays of such films as COBRA WOMAN (1945), THE KILLERS (1946), BRUTE FORCE (1947),
NAKED CITY (1948), and KEY LARGO (1948). His first film as director was CRISIS (1950). His subsequent directing credits include
DEADLINE - U.S.A. (1952), THE LAST TIME I SAW PARIS (1954), BLACKBOARD JUNGLE (1955), THE CATERED AFFAIR (1956), CAT ON A
HOT TIN ROOF (1958), ELMER GANTRY (1960), SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH (1962), IN COLD BLOOD (1967), LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR (1977),
and FEVER PITCH (1985, his final film). He was married to actress Jean Simmons from 1960 to 1977. He received an Academy Award
for writing the screenplay for ELMER GANTRY. Brooks was nominated for writing the screenplay for BLACKBOARD JUNGLE and for
writing and directing CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, THE PROFESSIONALS (1966), and IN COLD BLOOD.
1. Production files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 2. Scrapbooks; 3. Photographs, subseries A-B as
follows: A. Motion picture production; B. Subject
Brooks, Richard
Directors
Producers
Screenwriters