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John C. Becher papers
195
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Abstract: The collection consists entirely of scripts. Represented are two films, NEXT STOP, GREENWICH VILLAGE (1976) and UP THE SANDBOX
(1972), five teleplays, and nearly two dozen stage plays. Of special interest are the scripts for industrial films made by
American Motors Corporation.
Collector:
Becher, John C.
Dates: 1958-1978
Collection number: 195
Collection Size:
1.2 linear ft. of papers
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.
John C. Becher papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Gift of the Becher Family Trust, 2000
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The collection consists entirely of scripts. Represented are two films, NEXT STOP, GREENWICH VILLAGE (1976) and UP THE SANDBOX
(1972), five teleplays, and nearly two dozen stage plays. Of special interest are the scripts for industrial films made by
American Motors Corporation.
John C. Becher was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1915. He attended the Milwaukee State Teachers College and earned a Bachelor
of Science degree in 1938, then moved to Chicago and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Goodman School of Drama. Not
long after he completed his studies in Chicago, the United States entered World War II and Becher was drafted into the Army.
He was stationed at a special services school in Lexington, Virginia and assigned to instruct performers such as Red Skelton
and Melvyn Douglas on what to expect while touring overseas to entertain.
After he had been discharged from the military, Becher married his wife, Margaret Williams, and in 1946 joined the American
Repertory Theater. He made his acting debut in repertory productions of HENRY III, WHAT EVERY WOMAN KNOWS, A POUND ON DEMAND,
and ANDROCLES AND THE LION. This was followed by a revival of YELLOW JACK, directed by Martin Ritt, and a production of ALICE
IN WONDERLAND which featured Julie Harris and Eli Wallach alongside Becher as the Queen of Hearts. Over the next thirty years,
Becher acted regularly on stage in New York, while his wife served as comptroller of the Theater Guild. His notable stage
credits include the original productions of SKIPPER NEXT TO GOD with John Garfield, THE BALLAD OF THE SAD CAFÉ, and AUNTIE
MAME with Angela Lansbury. He also appeared in a 1970 revival of HARVEY starring James Stewart and Helen Hayes and a revival
of GYPSY starring Lansbury. In 1957, at the opening of the Kongresshalle in West Berlin, he performed alongside Lillian Gish
and Ethel Waters, among many others. He also regularly acted in Summer Stock and took part in the Theatre Guild's Theater
at Sea program in the 1970s.
As an actor based in New York, Becher was also active in the burgeoning years of television. He appeared in numerous anthology
series, such as THE PHILCO TELEVISION PLAYHOUSE, STUDIO ONE, and THE UNITED STATES STEEL HOUR and made repeated appearances,
as various characters, on such shows as THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW, CAR 54, WHERE ARE YOU? and NAKED CITY. Becher also acted in
film and, as with his television work, his film appearances were in smaller, supporting roles. He has uncredited parts in
THE WRONG MAN (1957) and THE ODD COUPLE (1968), and he appeared in such films as UP THE SANDBOX (1972), NEXT STOP, GREENWICH
VILLAGE (1976), HONKY TONK FREEWAY (1981), GREMLINS (1984), and MURPHY'S ROMANCE (1985). After he and Margaret moved to Los
Angeles in 1979, he continued his prolific television career, making appearances on TAXI, CHARLIE'S ANGELS, LITTLE HOUSE ON
THE PRAIRIE, THREE'S COMPANY, MURDER, SHE WROTE, and THE FACTS OF LIFE, among many others. Becher died in 1986.
1. Production files; 2. Television files; 3. Stage files; 4. Subject files
Becher, John C.
Actors