O'Brien (Dave) Red Skelton Show scripts, ca.1955-ca.1969,, bulk (bulk, ca.1955-ca.1963)

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Summary

Title:
Dave O'Brien Red Skelton Show scripts,
Dates:
ca.1955-ca.1969,, bulk (bulk, ca.1955-ca.1963)
Creators:
O'Brien, Dave, 1912-1969
Abstract:
Dave O'Brien was an actor and writer from the 1940s through the 1960s. The collection consists of script material for his work as the head writer for the television series The Red Skelton Show.
Extent:
11 boxes (5.25 linear ft.)
Language:
Finding aid is written in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Dave O'Brien Red Skelton Show scripts (Collection 237). Performing Arts Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of Red Skelton Show scripts related to the career of writer Dave O'Brien. Script materials include bound volumes and loose scripts for programs aired ca. 1955-1963 and a few from 1969.

Biographical / historical:

Dave "Tex" O'Brien started his career as dancer in early 1930s musical motion pictures. He is best remembered for his roles in the Texas Rangers films (1942-1945), his involvement with the Pete Smith shorts at MGM, and his role in Captain Midnight. He became the head writer on the Red Skelton television show, winning an Emmy in 1961. He passed away in CA, ca. 1969.

The Red Skelton Show, one of the longest running variety programs on television (1951-1971), was one of the first shows to make the successful transition from radio to television. The program format consisted of an opening monologue by Skelton, followed by a music segment from David Rose and his orchestra, and a series of sketches featuring one or more of Skeltons characters. Skeltons regular characters included Clem Kadiddlehopper, Junior the Mean Widdle Kid, Sheriff Deadeye, and Freddie the Freeloader. Although many stars got their start on the show, the series did not rely on guest stars every week. Skeltons signature closing line became "Good night and may God bless".

Acquisition information:
Gift, 2002.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in chronological order as can best be determined.

Physical location:
Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library, Performing Arts Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by Arts Special Collections staff; machine-readable finding aid created by Elizabeth Graney and Julie Graham.
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from database containing container list structure and data, encoding added via MS Access and Notetab Pro; frontmatter gathered from MARC Record. Date of source: 300502.

Access and use

Restrictions:

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Library, Performing Arts Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.

Terms of access:

Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library, Performing Arts Special Collections. Literary 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], Dave O'Brien Red Skelton Show scripts (Collection 237). Performing Arts Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
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