Campbell (Robert) Collection, circa 1960-2003

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Summary

Title:
Robert Campbell Collection
Dates:
circa 1960-2003
Creators:
Campbell, Robert Wright, 1927-2000 1
Abstract:
Manuscripts and poetry by Robert Campbell.
Extent:
8 archival boxes (manuscripts) and 2 folders (collected papers and photographs)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Robert Campbell Collection. Harrison Memorial Library

Background

Scope and content:

Manuscripts and poetry. 1 folder of photographs, and one of clippings and pamphlets.

Biographical / historical:

Robert Campbell was born June 9, 1927, in Newark New Jersey. He studied at the Pratt institute in Brooklyn, New York, where he earned a certificate in illustration in 1947. Campbell worked as a freelance artist and served in the Army during the Korean War, after which he began writing film scripts in Hollywood. Robert Campbell (1927-2000) was born June 9, 1927, in Newark, New Jersey. He studied at the Pratt institute in Brooklyn, New York, where he earned a certificate in illustration in 1947. Campbell worked as a freelance artist and served in the Army during the Korean War, after which he began writing film scripts in Hollywood. Campbell was the author of 27 novels, 19 of them mysteries; 14 movie scripts; and four stage plays; and a scriptwriter for 10 television series, including “Maverick” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.” His writing career was a roller coaster of early success and long periods of doldrums. In 1957 his screenplay for “The Man With a Thousand Faces” was nominated for an Academy Award and his novel “The Spy Who Sat and Waited” was nominated for a National Book Award in 1976. Many of his screenplays were written for Roger Corman, including Corman’s first film as a director, “Five Guns West” in 1955. He also published under the name “R. Wright Campbell.” Campbell is credited with coining the term “La-La Land” for Southern California, with the sale of the first Whistler detective novel, “In La-la Land We Trust,” also published in 1986. He moved to Carmel in the 1970’s and lived there until his death on September 21, 2000.

Acquisition information:
Some materials donated by Laura Newmark.
Processing information:

Revised 03/2017 by Katie O’Connell. Inventoried 2019.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
This collection also contains several boxes worth of material that have not yet been processed and incorporated into the collection, KO 10/2025.
Date Prepared:
circa 1960-2003
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Materials are open for research.

Terms of access:

The Henry Meade Local History Room, Harrison Memorial Library does not hold copyright to these items. Permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder by the user.

Preferred citation:

Robert Campbell Collection. Harrison Memorial Library

Location of this collection:
P.O. Box 800
Mission St & 6th Ave
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921, US
Contact:
(831) 624-1615
hml.localhist@gmail.com
Website