Finding Aid for the Ralph Nelson Papers LSC.0875
Finding aid prepared by Manuscripts Division staff and Brooke Whiting; machine-readable finding aid created by Caroline Cubé
and edited by Josh Fiala.
UCLA Library Special Collections
Online finding aid last updated 2002.
Room A1713, Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575
Business Number: 310-825-4988
Fax Number: 310-206-1864
spec-coll@library.ucla.edu
Contributing Institution:
UCLA Library Special Collections
Title: Ralph Nelson papers
Creator:
Nelson, Ralph
Identifier/Call Number: LSC.0875
Physical Description:
65.0 Linear Feet
(116 boxes, 25 oversize boxes, and 7 cartons)
Date (inclusive): 1940-1983
Abstract: Ralph Nelson (1916-1987) was an actor, director, producer, and playwright. He wrote the play
Mail call (winner of the 1943 John Golden prize and National Theatre awards), and won National Theatre awards for
Angels weep and
The wind is ninety. In 1956, he won a Emmy award for direction of
Requiem for a heavyweight (1956), and in 1964, the Golden Globes Humanitarian award for directing
Lilies of the field. The collection consists of television and motion picture shooting scripts, production files, films, tape recordings, phonograph
records, scrapbooks, prints, personal memorabilia, and related printed material of Ralph Nelson. Scripts include
Requiem for a heavyweight,
The director,
Father Goose, and
Lilies of the field.
Physical Location: Stored off-site. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Language of Material: Materials are in English.
Restrictions on Access
Open for research. All requests to access special collections materials must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Restrictions on Use and Reproduction
Property rights to the physical objects belong to UCLA Library Special Collections. All other rights, including copyright,
are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright
and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Ralph Nelson Papers (Collection Number 875). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young
Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles.
Provenance/Source of Acquisition
Gift of Ralph Nelson, 1964-83.
Processing Information
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interest and research value, availability of staff and resources, and competing priorities. Library Special Collections provides
a standard level of preservation and access for all collections and, when time and resources permit, conducts more intensive
processing. These materials have been arranged and described according to national and local standards and best practices.
We are committed to providing ethical, inclusive, and anti-racist description of the materials we steward, and to remediating
existing description of our materials that contains language
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UCLA Catalog Record ID
Biography
Nelson was born on August 12, 1916 in New York City; attended public school there; became an actor, director, producer, and
playwright; worked as an actor, 1933-41; directed for NBC-TV, 1948-49, and for CBS-TV, 1949-52; president of Rainbow Productions
in Los Angeles beginning in 1959; wrote the play
Mail call (winner of the 1943 John Golden prize and National Theatre awards); also won National Theatre awards for
Angels weep and
The wind is ninety; won 1956 Emmy award for direction of
Requiem for a heavyweight, and in 1964 the Golden Globes Humanitarian award for directing
Lilies of the field; also wrote screenplays for
The man in the funny suit,
The flight of the doves, and
The wrath of God; other films directed or produced by Nelson include
Father Goose,
Counterpoint, and
Charley; he died on December 21, 1987 in Santa Monica, California.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of television and motion picture shooting scripts, production files, films, tape recordings, phonograph
records, scrapbooks, prints, personal memorabilia, and related printed material of Ralph Nelson, motion picture and television
writer and director. Scripts include
Requiem for a heavyweight,
The director,
Father Goose, and
Lilies of the field.
Items Removed from Collection
Items Transferred to the Film and Television Archive, UCLA
-
Flight of the Doves (16mm print - 3 reels).
-
Charly (16mm print - 3 reels).
- "Requiem for a Heavyweight,"
Playhouse 90 (16mm print - 3 reels).
-
Soldier Blue (16mm print - 3 reels).
-
The Man in the Funny Suit (16mm print - 1 reel).
-
The Two Worlds of Charley Gordon (16mm print - 1 reel).
- Kinescope: Mama Kinescope of
Mama and The Carpenter.
- "The Richest Man In Bogota" (
Du Pont Show Of The Week).
-
The Outlaw's Reckoning.
- "The Brandenburg Gate" (
Motorola TV Hour).
- "The Trial of Captain Wirz" (
Climax).
- "This Happy Breed" (
Ford Star Jubilee) Reel no.2 only.
- "Hamlet" (
Du Pont Show Of The Week).
-
Cinderella.
- Stock Footage: Bergen, Norway (Fjord shots and Bonfire), London (Piccadilly Circus and Scotland Yard), View from Stavangerfjord
- seagulls, and Shots made in Stockholm and Copenhagen.
Items Cataloged
-
A portfolio of Hirschfeld: impressions of the play of the week (Limited Edition). Hirschfeld, Al (07-AFH-4287). Available at Department of Special Collections, UCLA.
-
Illustrations for The complete works of Shakespeare, edited by William Cullen Bryant. Philadelphia, c.1886. Illustrations by Felix Octavius Carr Darley, 1822-1888 (*** PR 2883
D249i). Available at Department of Special Collections, UCLA.
- Portfolio of William Blake's paintings for
Paradise Lost. New York,
Date: 1947
(**NC 1115 B58p). Available at Department of Special Collections, UCLA.
Items Withdrawn by Ralph Nelson
-
Mama series: "Along Came A Spider," "T.R.'S New Home," "He Jests at Scars" and Makeup test.
-
Requiem for a Heavyweight and
Man in a Funny Suit programs.
Items Sent to Music Library:
- Red Seal records by: Caruso, Tettrazini, Melba, Chaliapin, McCormack, etc. (78 rpm) Originals, at $3.00 each (65 total).
Items not Received
- One framed Lithograph by John Groth.
- Oil painting by Jack Smith for
Fate is the Hunter.
-
Lilies of the Field Script.
Taped Shows Not Received
-
Justice.
-
The Richest Man in Bogota (DuPont Show of the Week),
Date: June 1962.
- The New March of Dimes Presents
What About Linda? (a one hour television film),
Date: January 1961.
-
The Outlaw's Reckoning.
-
The Brandenburg Gate (ABC), One Hour Show.
-
The Trial of Captain Wirz.
-
This Happy Breed.
-
Hamlet.
-
Phone Call for Matt Quade (
Climax).
-
Mama Television Series: "Along Came a Spider", "Penny Candy", and "The Night the Animals Talked". [See Box 78].
-
T.R.'s New Home.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Television producers and directors -- California, Southern -- Archives.
Motion picture producers and directors -- California, Southern -- Archives.
Screenwriters -- United States -- Archives.
Television plays.
Film scripts.
Nelson, Ralph -- Archives
Books, Magazines, and Tapes
box 22
Player's Blue Book compiled by A.D. Storms.
1901
box 6
The Wind is Ninety - a play in 3 acts by Captain Ralph Nelson.
General Physical Description note: (6 copies)
box 2
Hamlet.
February 1959
Scope and Contents note
An adaptation by Ralph Nelson and Michael Benthell for presentation on the CBS-TV network by The Old Vic Company.
box 22
Reinhardt Und Seine Buhne - Berlin.
1920
box 22
Walter's Sketch Book Of The Players.
n.d.
box 6
Director Ralph Nelson's cast book.
box 22
A Splendid Gypsy; John Drew by Peggy Wood.
1927
General note
Addenda (Nelson - Supplement).
box 22
"The Story of Our Time" in
Encyclopedia Year Book.
1947
Scope and Contents note
Includes
Footlights Are Shining More Brightly by Ralph Nelson.
box 6
Theatre Arts Magazine.
September 1943
Scope and Contents note
Includes "Mail Call" by Aviation Cadet Ralph Nelson.
box 6
"Mail Call" by Aviation Cadet Ralph Nelson.
General Physical Description note: (3 copies)
box 101, 103, 107-109, 113, 115-121, 126-132
Books and Tapes Used for Research
box 46
Brooks, Juanita.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre. Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press.
[1964]
box 46
Drayton, Mary.
The Playroom. New York: Random House.
[1966]
box 46
Furniss, Norman.
The Mormon Conflict. New Haven: Yale University Press.
1960
box 46
McGivern, William P.
Police Special. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company.
1962
box 46
Vetterli, Richard.
Mormonism, Americanism and Politics. Salt Lake City: Ensign Publishing Company.
[1961]
box 46
Counterpoint.
General Physical Description note: (2 Tapes)
Scope and Contents note
Used for orchestral music (Schubert, Beethoven, Tschaikowsky, performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
box 25
Close It Up! Magazine article.
box 1
Aladdin.
Scope and Contents note
Private Edition - preview of the Cole Porter songs.
box 20
Proof recordings (12) - Judy Garland.
box 141
We're ready.
General Physical Description note: (78 rpm records in album)
box 90
War Plays by Ralph Nelson.
1943-1946
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, photographs, letters, reviews.
Reviews
General Physical Description note: (Mounted in scrapbooks)
box 92
Reviews of various productions of Ralph Nelson.
box 95, box 96
Clippings and Articles from the Following Movies, etc.
General Physical Description note: (4 Large Scrapbooks, 1 black and 3 olive)
box 96
Black Scrapbook - Miscellaneous.
box 95
Olive Scrapbook no.1.
-
Tick...tick...tick...
-
Soldier Blue.
-
General.
box 95
Olive Scrapbook no.3.
-
Wrath of God (continued).
-
The Wilby Conspiracy.
-
Embryo.
box 90
Judy Garland Show - Sings 8 Songs:
- "I Feel a Song Coming on.".
- "I Will Come Back.".
- "Last Night When We Were Young.".
- "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.".
- "Dirty Hands.".
- "Pete's Blues.".
- "Come Rain, Come Shine.".
- "April Showers.".
Scripts and Related Materials
box 61-68, 73, 123
Charly
General note
See also: Box 96.
box 61, box 62, box 63, box 64, box 65
Charly Production Files
General note
Received September 1972
box 66, box 67, box 68
Miscellaneous Materials
General note
Received September 1972
box 73
Miscellaneous materials.
- Correspondence - General.
- Legal agreements - deal memos.
- Petty Cash.
box 11-15, 33-34, 70, 76, 90, 92-94, 97, 122, 124-125, 147
Lilies of the Field
General note
See also: Boxes 97-99
box 11, box 12
Lilies of the Field.
Scope and Contents note
All correspondence, business and general, including expenses, form letters, personal files, finances, censorship, legal, insurance,
lists, research material, publicity, technical, pertaining to the production of
Lilies of the Field.
General note
This is an invaluable breakdown and possibly the most complete breakdown of the actual production and duties of a producer.
These files could actually serve as a course in motion picture production for the graduate student and would fill a tremendous
gap in the present-day curriculum at any university.
box 13, box 14, box 15
Scripts.
- 1 copy (128pp.) written by Ralph Nelson and James Poe, with all changes by Ralph Nelson.
- 1 copy submitted to the Writer's Guild for arbitration indicating material actually written by James Poe and material actually
written by Ralph Nelson; in the main holographic.
- 12 mimeographed shooting scripts.*.
- Notes between Ralph Nelson and James Poe on arbitration over
Lilies of the Field (Original and copies).
- File of James Poe's scene rewrites with holographic notes.
- James Poe's forced draft (Copy with holographic notes).
General note
*1 copy returned to Mr. Nelson, May 7, 1967 (BW)
box 33, box 34
Lilies of the Field (motion picture).
General note
Material received December 1968.
box 70
Lilies of the Field.
General Physical Description note: (1 copy)
General note
Received September 1972
box 76
Lilies of the Field
- Correspondence - General.
- Legal Agreements - deal memos (1962-1970).
- Legal Agreements - deal memos (1971-1975).
- Miscellaneous (Schedules, financial statements).
- William Barrett.
- Interview with Sidney Poitier and Ralph Nelson.
- Financial examination of United Artists.
- Allocations - Doug Netter.
- Dramatic rights.
- Participations/distribution.
- Foreign taxes.
- DGA/Pension Plan.
- Ziegler/Ross Agency.
- Trailer & Cutting Continuity.
- Theatrical re-release.
- Television.
- Publicity.
-
Look to the Lilies, Broadway Musical.
box 90
Lilies of the Field (Original soundtrack recording).
box 97
Reviews from British and Irish publications.
box 94
Set model of the church in
Lilies of the Field.
General Physical Description note: (Approximately 16 × 10 × 9", made of cardboard and wood)
box 124
Final shooting script.
November 26, 1962
box 124
Final shooting script (original).
November 6, 1962
box 124
Story outlines for future episode.
General Physical Description note: (3 items)
box 125
Stills.
General Physical Description note: (7 items)
box 125
Originial
Lilies of the Field stills.
General Physical Description note: (8 items)
box 125
The Lilies of the Field by William E. Barrett. New York: Popular Library.
[1963]
General Physical Description note: (Paperback copy)
box 147
Ad copy layout.
General Physical Description note: (Mounted)
box 124
Sequels to
Lilies of the Field by John McGreevey and Ralph Nelson.
1978-1979
box 124
Christmas lilies by John McGreevey.
June 21, 1978
General Physical Description note: (2 copies)
box 124
Christmas lilies.
June 20, 1979
box 124
Easter lilies.
August 9, 1979
box 124
Lilies for Christmas.
August 9, 1979
box 124
Christmas Lilies of the Field.
August 27, 1979
box 124
Christmas Lilies of the Field.
September 3, 1979
Scope and Contents note
Final shooting script.
box 122, 124-125
Christmas Lilies of the Field
box 124
Stills.
General Physical Description note: (1 envelope, 9 photos)
box 125
Color slides.
General Physical Description note: (7 items)
box 125
Press clippings.
1979
General Physical Description note: (2 envelopes)
box 122
[Miscellaneous].
- Untitled folder (removed from orange binder).
- Budget.
- Osmond (includes music).
- Cast.
- Ralph Nelson - call sheets.
- Ralph Nelson - production reports.
- Ralph Nelson - script supervisor's reports.
- Legal work.
-
Lilies of the Field (TV series).
- Travel arrangements.
- Script.
- Correspondence.
- Research.
- Players' contracts.
- Petty cash.
- Crew.
- Contracts.
- Sets.
box 125
[No further description available].
General Physical Description note: (4 folders)
box 125
[No further description available].
Scope and Contents note
With notes by Ralph Nelson.
box 3
Junior Miss (CBS-TV Production), by Ralph Nelson.
Scope and Contents note
Containing The Director's working script with holographic notes, original music by Burton Lane, and original sketches for
Junior Miss sets.
box 1
Aladdin (CBS-TV production), directed by Ralph Nelson.
1958
Scope and Contents note
Containing The Director's working script and the original words and music by Cole Porter.
box 9
The Man in the Dog Suit.
Scope and Contents note
Director's working script.
box 4
This Happy Breed (CBS-TV production).
1956
Scope and Contents note
Director's working script.
box 8
Fate is the Hunter.
Scope and Contents note
Director's working and shooting script and notes, original sketches including breakdown, working script and six other scripts.
box 2
Doyle Against the House (Dick Powell anthology).
Scope and Contents note
Director's working script.
box 9
John J. Diggs (Dick Powell anthology).
Scope and Contents note
Director's working script.
box 4
Three Soldiers (Dick Powell anthology).
Scope and Contents note
Director's working script.
box 2
Cinderella.
1957
Scope and Contents note
Director's working script - completely anotated.
box 1
Cinderella (CBS-TV production).
1957
Scope and Contents note
Graduate study by Harold Messing, Stanford University
box 18
Requiem for a Heavyweight (Playhouse 90).
1956
Scope and Contents note
Director's working script.
box 18
Requiem for a Heavyweight (feature motion picture). Columbia Pictures.
1961
Scope and Contents note
Director's working script.
box 4
The White Barrier by Don Hart and Ralph Nelson.
1938
Scope and Contents note
Shooting script.
box 4
Soldier in the Rain by Ralph Nelson.
1963
Scope and Contents note
Treatment and shooting script.
box 4
Winter Dreams by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Scope and Contents note
Television script - director's working and shooting scripts. Also final script.
box 3
The Richest Man in Bogota (DuPont Show of The Week).
1962
Scope and Contents note
Shooting script, CBS memos, NBC memos, notes, cast comments. Also,
The Country of the Blind - casting notes.
box 16, box 17
The Man in the Funny Suit (Desilu Playhouse).
1960
Scope and Contents note
All developments of the script, with holographic notes, from original outline through various rewrites to final shooting script;
plus all production memos, letters, production pictures, original set drawings, schedule and breakdown.
box 1
The Big Wheel - a play by Ralph Nelson.
Scope and Contents note
Original typed script and 4 copies with changes.
box 2
Jerry Lewis Enterprises presents Jerry Lewis as
The Jazz Singer.
Scope and Contents note
Director's working script, completely anotated - signed by Jerry Lewis.
box 5
Climax Television Series (1 of 2).
1957
Scope and Contents note
Shooting scripts and budget breakdowns:
- "The Trail of Terror.".
- "Murder is a Witch.".
- "The Giant Killer.".
- "King of the Mountain.".
- "Walk a Tightrope.".
- "Payment for Judas.".
- "Locked in Fear.".
- "The Trial of Captain Wirz.".
box 6
Climax Television Series (2 of 2).
1957
Scope and Contents note
Shooting scripts and budget breakdowns:
- "Keep Me in Mind.".
- "Tunnel of Fear.".
- "The Largest City in Captivity.".
- "Murder Has a Deadline.".
- "Two Tests on Tuesday.".
box 2
The Director - file of correspondence.
Scope and Contents note
Between Rod Serling and Ralph Nelson in regards to the television play
The Director written by Rod Serling, including 3 copies of the script,
The Director.
box 20
Trial Without End by Mervin Girard with holographic notes and changes.
box 9, box 10
Father Goose.
Scope and Contents note
Director's working copy of screenplay with notes, drawings, directorial suggestions to Cary Grant and Leslie Caron, and 1
copy of final shooting script.
box 69, box 70, box 71
Scripts
General note
Received September 1972
box 69
Arrow in the sun.
General Physical Description note: (4 copies)
box 69
The battle horns.
General Physical Description note: (1 copy)
box 70
Flight of the doves.
General Physical Description note: (5 copies, various revisions)
box 70
The playroom.
General Physical Description note: (2 copies)
box 71
The seven file.
General Physical Description note: (2 copies)
box 71
Soldier Blue.
General Physical Description note: (2 copies)
Scope and Contents note
1 copy is Ralph Nelson's working script and notes.
box 71
Tick...tick...tick.
General Physical Description note: (2 copies)
box 96
Lady of the house - Breakdown sheet.
box 123
You can't go home again.
General Physical Description note: (1 envelope)
Scope and Contents note
Miscellaneous files.
box 123
The bell jar.
Scope and Contents note
Budget, correspondence.
Scripts and Related Materials, Arranged by Title
General note
(Material received December 1968)
box 24
"Aladdin" (television), The
Dupont Show of the Month.
box 24
"Angels Weep". A play in 3 acts.
box 24
Armstrong Circle Theatre (television).
box 24
"Baby and Me" (television).
box 24
"The Big Slide" (television), CBS -
Playhouse 90.
box 24
"Brandenburg Gate" (television),
Motorola Hour.
box 24
"A Brief Madness" (screenplay).
box 25
"The Camel Command" (screenplay).
box 25
"The Challenge of Hemp Brown" (television),
Front Row Center.
box 25
"Cinderella" (television).
box 25
"The Circular Staircase" (television),
Climax.
box 25, box 26, box 27, box 28
Counterpoint (screenplay).
box 29
"Deadlock" (television), CBS
Front Row Center series.
box 29, box 30, box 31, box 32
Duel At Diablo (motion picture).
box 32
"Explosion" (television),
Armstrong Circle Theatre.
box 32
Fate is the Hunter (motion picture).
box 32
Father Goose (motion picture).
box 33
"Finlay's Fan Club" (television), CBS
Front Row Center.
box 33
"Fury At Dawn" (television),
Climax.
box 33
"The Greek Case" (television),
Playhouse 90.
box 33
"Hamlet" (television),
Dupont Show of the Month.
box 33
"Inferno" (television),
The Dick Powell Show.
box 33
"Innocent Witness" (television),
Front Row Center.
box 33
"The Jazz Singer" (television),
Ford Startime Theatre.
box 33
Jody and Me (television).
box 33
"Judy Garland Special" (television),
General Electric Theatre.
box 33
Junior Miss (television).
box 33
"Justice" (television),
ABC Album.
box 35
A Lion Is in the Streets (motion picture).
box 35
"Love Is Blind" (radio),
The Clock.
box 35
"Made In Heaven" (television),
Playhouse 90.
box 35
"The Man in the Funny Suit" (television),
Desilu Playhouse.
box 35
Man of La Mancha (musical play).
box 35
March of Dimes Show (television).
box 37
Not Without Character (short story and play).
box 37
"The Nutcracker." Ballet performed for
Playhouse 90 (television).
box 37, box 38, box 39
Once a Thief (motion picture).
box 39
"One Coat of White" (television),
Playhouse 90.
box 39
"Outlaw's Reckoning" (television),
Motorola Hour.
box 39
"Phone Call For Mathew Quade" (television),
Climax.
box 39, box 40
Pied Pipers (motion picture).
box 40
Playhouse 90. Unmounted promotional kits.
box 40
The Playroom (motion picture).
box 40
"The Playroom" (television),
Front Row Center.
box 41
"Requiem for a Heavyweight" (television),
Playhouse 90.
box 41
The Robert Von Kuznick Story.
box 41
"The Scandal That Rocket Paris" (television),
Armstrong Circle Theatre.
box 41
Second Entrance. A play (for television).
box 41, box 42
The Seven File (motion picture).
box 42
"Snowshoes" (television),
Playhouse 90.
box 42
Soldier In the Rain (motion picture).
box 42
This Happy Breed (television).
box 42
Utah War (motion picture).
box 42
Volpone (adapted for television).
box 42
We're Ready (musical play).
box 42
The Wind is Ninety (a play).
box 42
"Winter Dreams" (television),
Front Row Center.
box 42
"The World of Mort Saul" (television).
Business Files
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence, etc.
box 43
American Braodcasting Company.
box 43
Blowitz, Thomas and Canton.
1962-1964
box 43
Ralph Nelson - Contracts.
box 43
Director's assignment sheets.
box 44
Letters To Ralph Nelson from the Following People:
- Thornton Wilder (1 letter).
- Alfred Lunt (2 letters).
- Katherine Hepburn (1 letter).
- Fred Allen (3 letters).
- Alistair Cooke (1 letter).
- Noël Coward (1 letter).
- Richard Aldrich (1 letter).
- Peggy Wood (4 letters).
- Debbie Reynolds (1 letter).
- Ilka Chase (1 letter).
box 44
National Broadcasting Company.
box 44
Miscellaneous reviews and clippings.
Paintings, Photographs, and Pictorial Materials
box 91
Photograph of the "Emmy" signed by Martin Manulis.
box 23
From Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne to Ralph Nelson.
box 91
From Red Skelton, Snub Polland, Heini Conklin, Chester Conklin, Clarence Hennecke to Ralph Nelson.
General Physical Description note: (8 × 10", framed)
box 91
From Jacques Bergerac, Sheila Bond And Phyllis Kirk to Ralph Nelson.
General Physical Description note: (8 × 10", framed)
box 91
From Lief Ericson, Claudette Colbert and Paul Henreid to Ralph Nelson.
General Physical Description note: (8 × 10", framed)
box 91
From John Carradine, Barry Sullivan, Marilyn Maxwell, Stu Erwin, Wally Ford and Harpo Marx to Ralph Nelson.
General Physical Description note: (8 × 10, framed)
box 23
Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, unsigned.
General Physical Description note: (8 × 10", framed)
General note
Removed from frame.
box 13, 18, 23, 45, 96-99
Production Stills
General Physical Description note: (Over 550 items)
box 18
Requiem for a Heavyweight.
General Physical Description note: (140 8 × 10 stills)
General note
Addenda.
box 23
From
Day Before Atlanta (Playhouse 90).
General note
Removed from frame.
box 23
Soldier in the Rain at $1.00 each
box 45
Mounted production stills:
-
The Giant Killer.
-
King of the Mountain.
-
Walk a Tightrope.
-
Payment for Judas.
-
Trial of Terror.
-
Once a Thief.
box 97, box 98, box 99
Production stills:
-
Requiem for a Heavyweight.
-
Lilies of the Field (includes 5 mounted stills).
-
Duel at Diablo.
-
Counterpoint.
-
Once a Thief.
-
Cinderella.
box 96
Soldier Blue stills.
General Physical Description note: (150 pictures)
box 96
Contact prints, no.1-169 & 170-273.
General Physical Description note: (2 Large binders)
Scope and Contents note
Also includes stills of luncheon for Joe Levine February 16, 1970.
box 96
For Ralph Nelson from the Crew of
Requiem for a Heavyweight.
December 1961
General Physical Description note: (1 Large Brown binder)
box 96
Ralph Nelson Australian Visit.
1971
General Physical Description note: (1 Large Blue binder)
box 97, box 98, box 99
Mounted cast photographs.
-
Two Tests on Tuesday.
-
Tunnel of Fear.
-
The Greer Case.
-
Cabin B-B.
-
Murder is a Witch.
-
Locked in Fear.
-
Keep Me in Mind.
box 97, box 98, box 99
Portrait photographs.
- Jackie Gleason.
- Charlton Heston.
- Marlene Dietrich.
- Leslie Howard.
- Richard Whorf.
- Maximillion Schell.
box 136
Photographs.
Scope and Contents note
Many from
Playhouse 90 productions.
box 138
Photographs - Exteriors, Set Design.
- Cafe exteriors.
- Apartment interiors.
- Bistro sketches.
box 138
Photographs.
General Physical Description note: (1 envelope)
-
Flight of the doves.
-
Wrath of God.
-
Soldier Blue.
box 140
Photographs -
Soldier Blue.
General Physical Description note: (2 items)
box 140
Exterior photographs of Paris.
box 141
Paris - exterior photos.
1963
box 142
Photographs - Details.
1963
Scope and Contents note
Hotels, beauty parlors, markets, etc.
box 22
Sketch for
Justice designed by Albert Heschong.
General Physical Description note: (Photographic copy)
box 90
Aladdin.
General Physical Description note: (Facsimile)
Scope and Contents note
18 costume sketches by Irene Sharoff.
box 90
Original architectural renderings (4) for
Once a Thief.
box 45
Tear sheets for various productions.
box 97, box 98, box 99
Play bill for
Pygmalion.
General Physical Description note: (Framed)
box 97, box 98, box 99
Ad layouts for various motion pictures.
box 97, box 98, box 99
Mounted promotional kits:
-
Hamlet.
-
Aladdin.
-
This Happy Breed.
-
Junior Miss.
-
Cinderella.
box 97, box 98, box 99
"Hamlet" set sketches.
Dupont Show of the Month.
General Physical Description note: (Reproductions)
box 97, box 98, box 99
Original production sketches.
-
What About Linda.
-
Aladdin.
-
Hamlet.
box 147
Artist's renderings (2) of interior chapel scenes from
Counterpoint.
box 147
Father Goose Original production sketch.
box 147
Once a Thief Billboard poster.
box 147
Duel at Diablo art work.
General Physical Description note: (Reproduction)
box 147
Mounted portrait of Charlton Heston.
box 93
Oil portrait of Colonel F.U. Foster, by Yvonne Wood.
General Physical Description note: (Framed)
box 147
3 Large Posters.
-
The Wrath of God Logo (1).
-
Tick...tick...tick... (2).
box 140
Sketches & drawings of Paris exteriors.
box 142
Fortune Cookie - Sketches & drawings.
1966
box 94
The church in
Counterpoint.
General Physical Description note: (Approximately 14 × 12 × 7", made of cardboard and wood)
box 47, box 48, box 49, box 50, box 51
Flight of the Doves Production Files
General note
Received September 1972
box 52, box 53, box 54
Tick...Tick...Tick.. Production Files
General note
Received September 1972
box 56, box 57, box 58, box 59
Soldier Blue Production Files
General note
Received September 1972
box 81, box 82, box 83, box 84, box 85, box 86, box 87, box 88
Complete Producer's Files for
The Wrath of God
Scope and Contents note
Starring Robert Mitchum
Produced - Written - Directed by Ralph Nelson
(for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Of special interest to the study of film production.
The film was prepared in London and Los Angeles, filmed entirely in Mexico with post-production work done in Los Angeles.
The files include reports on Mexican technicians, censorship in Mexico and regulations of the Sindicado, the Mexican technician's
union.
Four writers were involved in developing the screenplay in various versions, and all treatments and drafts are included, as
well as the Writer's Guild Arbitration, which finally gave to Ralph Nelson sole credit as the writer. This is unusual, since
the Writer's Guild is reluctant to give a producer or director any screen credit.
The catalogue of the files is attached.
box 81
Accounting for Location Survey.
box 81
Advertising (Sales, Promotion, Publicity MGM).
box 81
Arbitration (Writer's Guild Credits).
box 81
Budget Daily Progress Reports.
box 81
Budget Information.
Scope and Contents note
Complete Breakdown, American and Mexican including all departments and correspondence.
box 82
Camera Reports (American).
box 82
Camera Reports (Mexican).
box 82
Customs, (American and Mexican).
box 82
Censorship, Script Approval (Mexico).
box 82
Cost Trial Runs (Weekly).
box 83
Day Out of Days for Actors.
box 83
Insurance Claim (Wrecked Prop Truck).
box 83
Insurance Claim (Ken Hutchison, Actor).
box 84
Location Photographs and 1927 Lincoln.
box 84
Looping - Daily Production Reports.
box 84
Main Titles and End Credits.
box 84
Miscellaneous Correspondence.
box 84
Movement Orders (to Different Locations).
box 84
Nicholas & Company (London Barristers for Rainbow).
box 85
Samuelson's (London) Equipment.
box 85
Script Notes and Correspondence.
box 86
Sindicato (Mexican Union).
box 86
Sterling Cost Breakdown (London Expenses).
box 86
Stunt Adjustment Contracts.
box 86
Television Version Notes.
box 87
Unit - Staff and Personnel Orders.
box 87, box 88
The Wrath of God. A novel by James Graham aka Harry Patterson
Scope and Contents note
Scripts by various writers:
box 87
1. By James Graham.
January 28, 1971
box 87
2. By James Graham. Edited by Robin Karney Script Editor for Rainbow Productions.
February 15, 1971
box 87
3. Screenplay by John Briley.
April 30, 1971
box 87
4. Re-write and comments on Briley Script.
n.d.
box 87
5. Listed "First Draft Screenplay" by John Bril.
June 1, 1971
box 88
6. 1st 30pp. submitted by Clair Huffaker.
n.d.
box 88
7. Full screenplay by Clair Huffaker.
August 8, 1971
box 88
8. 1st 54pp. by Ralph Nelson.
August 23, 1971
box 88
9. Full Screenplay by Ralph Nelson.
n.d.
box 88
10. First Draft Screenplay by Ralph Nelson.
September 17, 1971
box 88
11. Rewritten Draft Screenplay by Ralph Nelson.
October 18, 1971
box 88
12. Shooting Script Draft Screenplay by Ralph Nelson.
November 3, 1971
box 88
13. Continuity Script Draft Screenplay by Ralph Nelson.
July 2, 1972
box 72
Embryo
- General Correspondence.
- Deal Memos - Legal Agreements.
- Miscellaneous.
- Music Sheet.
- Research (Magazines, clippings, etc.).
- Stills.
- Script (4 versions including Director's shooting script with production notes).
box 73
The Wilby Conspiracy
- Correspondence.
- Legal Agreements - deal memos.
- Schedule.
box 73
Tick...tick...tick...
- Miscellaneous correspondence.
- Legal agreements - deal memos.
- Phil Gersh Agency.
box 73
Duel at Diablo
- Miscellaneous correspondence.
- Nelson/Engel correspondence.
box 74
Flight of the Doves
- Correspondence.
- Legal Agreements - deal memos.
- Script.
- Fran Roy Correspondence.
- Foster Bromhead.
- Frank Gabrielson.
- Nicholas & Company (Legal - John Elford).
- Brochures on Ireland.
- Location scouting correspondence.
- Irish correspondence.
- Stills (10 black & white photographs (12 × 15") in large manila envelope).
box 75
Soldier Blue
- Correspondence - General.
- Legal agreements - deal memos.
- Miscellaneous.
- Sketches from the story board for the massacre sequences (4 framed pictures).
box 77
Portrait of a Star - Miscellaneous.
box 77
Counterpoint (Freedman & Freedman) - Petty Cash and some correspondence.
"Miscellaneous - Old Television Productions"
box 77
A Lion is in the Streets.
Scope and Contents note
Includes correspondence for a screenplay by Ralph Nelson for Cagney Productions.
box 77
The Big Wheel.
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence relating to a play written by Ralph Nelson. Optioned several times but never produced.
box 77
Cinderella.
Scope and Contents note
3 folders of general correspondence relating to the Rodgers & Hammerstein Special for CBS. A musical version of Cinderella
written especially for television and directed by Ralph Nelson starring Julie Andrews, Howard Lindsey, Dorothy Stickney. Complete
schedules, etc.
box 77
CBS Personal.
Scope and Contents note
Includes contracts from 1949-1957
box 77
CBS general correspondence.
1957-1960
Scope and Contents note
Continuation of similar file. Relating to Ralph Nelson's contractual obligations to CBS.
box 77
"College."
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence with Dartmouth, Yale, and Western Reserve
re scholarships offered to Ralph Nelson as a result of winning 3 National Theatre Conference Contests for playwriting.
box 77
Dog Suit.
Scope and Contents note
re a play called
Man in the Dog Suit which was produced on Broadway starring Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, directed by Ralph Nelson.
box 77
John Elliott.
1946-1955
Scope and Contents note
This folder contains material of Mr. Elliott who represented Mr. Nelson as a writer from 1946-1955. The correspondence consists
of letters regarding various productions of Mr. Nelson's plays and publications.
box 77
Guild.
Scope and Contents note
re the Radio and Television Directors Guild.
General note
It was originally the Radio Director's Guild, but with the expansion of television in 1949 it was enlarged to embrace television
directors as well, and the name changed to the Radio and Television Directors Guild. Mr. Nelson was the first television director
to become President of the Guild - later to be absorbed by The Director's Guild of America, embracing all Motion Picture Directors.
box 77
Climax shows.
Scope and Contents note
Folder of complete schedules.
Climax was a popular melodramatic series for the CBS Television Network under Chrysler Corporation sponsorship. Several of these
titles were later made into Motion Pictures. Mr. Nelson directed several and produced quite a number of them.
box 77
Theatre.
early 1950s
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence between Mr. Nelson and various theatre personalities.
box 77
Theatre Wing.
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence with the American Theatre Wing when Ralph Nelson's services were called upon as a Guest Director.
General note
It is interesting to note that some of the students he taught at that time later achieved fame; such as Hal Holbrook.
box 78
Scripts of
Mama.
General Physical Description note: (4 vol.)
box 20
Correspondence
re
The Hiroshima Maidens.
Scope and Contents note
This includes letters from Dick Powell and Norman Cousins.
box 45, folder 1
Theatre programs (some autographed).
Scope and Contents note
For:
- Maude Adams.
- William Gilette.
- Mr. Forbes-Robertson.
- Gerald Dumaurier.
- Richard Mansfield.
- Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne.
Includes:
-
Peter Pan.
-
The Admirable Crichton.
-
What Every Woman Knows, by James Barrie.
box 79
Rainbow Correspondence - General.
1962-1976
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 79
General Correspondence.
1966-1976
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 79
Correspondence - General pretaining to films.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 79
Rainbow Productions - Legal.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 79
Rainbow Productions - General.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 79
Ralph Nelson - Travel Itinerary.
General Physical Description note: (2 legal manila folders)
box 79
V.A. Hospital Tour.
1972
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 80
Ralph Nelson Productions/Aurora.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
Scope and Contents note
Financial statements.
box 80
Ralph Nelson Productions/Aurora.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 80
Rogers & Cowan Publicists - Dale Olson.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 80
Rogers, Cowan, Brenner Incorporated.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 80
Moscow Film Festival - Bella Espstein.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 80
Pam, Jerry & Associates.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 80
Directors Guild of America.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 80
Moscow Film Festival.
1967
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 80
Nelson/Engel.
1964-1966
General Physical Description note: (2 legal manila folders)
box 80
Nelson/Engel United Artists.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
Scope and Contents note
Financial agreement.
box 80
Ralph Nelson - Selmur Productions.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
Scope and Contents note
Expense vouchers.
box 80
Rainbow/Selmur.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
Scope and Contents note
Reimbursement.
box 80
Selmur Pictures Correspondence.
General Physical Description note: (Legal manila folder)
box 137
Cartoons, posters, photographs.
box 135
Soldier Blue music cuts.
General Physical Description note: (Audio tape)
box 141
Music - Listener's guides.
General Physical Description note: (Photocopy)
box 141
Flight of the doves.
General Physical Description note: (Slate clapper board)
box 21, box 22
Fate is the Hunter,
Father Goose, and
Soldier in the Rain.
Scope and Contents note
All correspondence, business and general, including expenses, form letters, personal files, finances, censorship, legal, insurance,
lists, research material, publicity, technical, pertaining to the productions of
Fate is the Hunter,
Father Goose, and
Soldier in the Rain.
General note
This is an invaluable breakdown and possibly the most complete breakdown of the actual production and duties of a producer.
These files could actually serve as a course in motion picture production for the graduate student and would fill a tremendous
gap in the present-day curriculum at any university.
box 19
Correspondence and contracts between Mr. Nelson and Four Star Television.
Scope and Contents note
Including letters from Dick Powell, Steve Fisher, Milton Berle, Dale Wasserman, on the following projects:
-
Three Soldiers by Dick Simmons.
-
Goodbye Hannah by Steve Fisher.
-
Alaska Solo by Gail Ingram.
-
Medicine Man by Ann Bailey.
-
The Loaner by Rod Serling.
box 19
Puzzle for Fanatics - original holographic story by Ralph Nelson.
General note
Never produced.
box 19
Correspondence
re the Guggenheim Fellowship.
Scope and Contents note
With signed letters from Howard Lindsay, George Freedley, John T. Elliott.
box 19
Correspondence
re the production of
Hamlet.
1960 and v.d.
Scope and Contents note
With signed letters from Thomas Yoseloff, Ben Shahn, William L. Springer. Also, all correspondence between Mr. Nelson and
CBS Television, breakdown of budget, breakdown of casting and shooting.
box 19
Correspondence
re the production of
Lady in a Cage.
1962 and v.d.
Scope and Contents note
With signed letters from Luther Davis, Jerry Wald, Joan Crawford. Also, the first budget breakdown, all contractual materials,
first letters outlining details of financing (dated 1962).
box 19
Mister Doc - original typed script of CBS Television production.
1961
Scope and Contents note
Also, budget breakdown, stills, original story idea.
box 20
Correspondence
re National Theatre Conference.
1948
Scope and Contents note
With signed letters from Hallie Flannigan (3), Walter Prichard Eaton (1), Lee Kazanoff (2).
box 20
Correspondence
re the production of
Requiem for a Heavyweight.
Scope and Contents note
With pertinent notes on David Susskind. Budget breakdown, contracts, publicity, finances, set design, and correspondence.
box 20
Correspondence
re the production of
The Wind is Ninety.
Scope and Contents note
With signed letters by John T. Elliott, Robert Sherwood, Roland Fernand, Richard Tucker. Contracts, budget breakdown.
box 20
Junior Miss.
Scope and Contents note
Including budget breakdown, production breakdown, correspondence, contracts.
box 20
Mail Call.
Scope and Contents note
Including correspondence, budget breakdown, production breakdown, contracts.
box 22
We're Ready.
Scope and Contents note
Production manual containing complete book score and parts.
box 90
Once a Thief.
Scope and Contents note
Five original pen and ink drawings.
box 9
Father Goose.
1964
Scope and Contents note
Director's working copy with all holographic changes from inception of idea to final shooting script.
General note
This seems to be the same item in Boxes 9-10, under
Father Goose.
box 7
Dixie! A play by Ralph Nelson.
General Physical Description note: (Holographic copy)
box 7
The Diddy-Wah-Diddy, a novel by Ralph Nelson.
Scope and Contents note
Research material and written chapters.
box 23
Fate is a Hunter - Sketches.
General Physical Description note: (93 items, photographic copies)