Descriptive Summary
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Biography
Collection Scope and Content Summary
Indexing Terms
Descriptive Summary
Title: W. C. Fields papers
Date (inclusive): 1898-1978
Date (bulk): 1898-1946
Collection number: 520
Creator:
Fields, W. C.
Extent:
85 linear feet of papers.
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
English
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Access
Available by appointment only.
Publication rights
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.
Acquisition Information
Gift of the W. C. Fields family, 2006, with additions from Allen Fields, 2008
Biography
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.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
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.
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
Indexing Terms
Fields, W. C. (William Claude) , 1880-1946--Archives.
actors