Fields (W. C.) papers, 1898-1978, bulk 1898-1946

Collection context

Summary

Title:
W. C. Fields papers
Dates:
1898-1978, bulk 1898-1946
Creators:
Fields, W. C.
Extent:
85 linear feet of papers.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

W. C. Fields papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Background

Scope and content:

The W. C. Fields papers span the years 1898-1978 (bulk 1898-1946) and encompass approximately 85 linear feet. The collection includes scripts and production material, contracts, correspondence, scrapbooks, artifacts, posters, and photographs.

Biographical / historical:

W. C. Fields was an actor, comedian, and screenwriter most active in film from the mid-1920s to mid- 1940s. From his humble beginnings as a juggler, he embarked on a career as a vaudeville comedian and stage actor. Fields appeared in a number of silent films and early sound films before finding his place as a comedy writer and actor portraying memorable screen curmudgeons.

Acquisition information:
Gift of the W. C. Fields family, 2006, with additions from Allen Fields, 2008
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 2. Stage files; 3. Radio files; 4. Story files; 5. Correspondence; 6. Subject files, subseries A-B as follows: A. General; B. Estate and probate research files; 7. Legal papers; 8. Financial papers; 9. Other papers; 10. Writings; 11. Scrapbooks; 12. Oversize

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

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Special Collections
Date Prepared:
© 2013
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from Inmagic. Date of source: November 01, 2013

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:

W. C. Fields 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