Oberon (Merle) papers, 1911-1979, bulk mid-1950s to mid-1970s

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Merle Oberon papers
Dates:
1911-1979, bulk mid-1950s to mid-1970s
Creators:
Oberon, Merle
Extent:
1.8 linear feet of papers. 4 linear feet of photographs.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Merle Oberon papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Background

Scope and content:

The Merle Oberon papers span the years 1911-1979 (bulk mid-1950s-mid-1970s) and encompass 5.8 linear feet. The collection consists of 11 scripts, 12 scrapbooks, two photograph albums, correspondence, foreign language press clippings, handwriting samples, five disc recordings, miscellaneous items, and photographs. The photograph series consists of approximately 3,000 black-and-white and color photographic prints, negatives, slides, transparencies, and contact sheets. Included are scenes from film and television productions, off-camera photographs for film and radio, portraits of Oberon, and autographed photographs collected by the actress.

Biographical / historical:

Merle Oberon was a British (Indian-born) actress active in film from 1929 to 1973. She is best known for her role as Cathy in WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939). From 1939 to 1945 Oberon was married to her mentor, producer Alexander Korda. She subsequently wed cinematographer Lucien Ballard. Divorced from Ballard, Oberon was married to industrialist Bruno Pagliai from 1957 to 1973. The Pagliais played host to many international figures at their home in Acapulco, Mexico. She married actor Robert Wolders in 1975. Oberon was nominated by the Academy for her performance in THE DARK ANGEL (1935).

Acquisition information:
Gift of Robert Wolders, 1986
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files; 2. Subject files; 3. Scrapbooks; 4. Photographs, subseries A-E as follows: A. Motion picture production; B. Television production; C. Radio production; D. Biography; E. Subject.

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

Indexed terms

Subjects:
actresses
Names:
Oberon, Merle , 1911-1979--Archives.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Special Collections
Date Prepared:
© 2014
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from Inmagic. Date of source: November 24, 2014

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:

Merle Oberon 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