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.

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).

1.8 linear feet of papers. 4 linear feet of photographs.

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