Hollywood, Movies, Motion Pictures, Film, Cinema, Movie Stars, etc.
Today's post was written by David Langbart, archivist in Textual Reference at the National Archives at College Park, MD. The actor Hal Holbrook, who died in January of 2021, had a long and distinguished career. He appeared on stage and in many motion pictures and television shows. Those of us of a certain age especially … Continue reading Mark Twain Goes Overseas in the 1950s
Today's post was written by Christen Brown, Archives Technician in the Special Media Division at the National Archives in College Park, MD. Desiderio Alberto Arnaz, born March 2, 1917 in Santiago de Cuba, was an actor, musician, and producer best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the television sitcom I Love Lucy. But, … Continue reading “Lucy, I’m Home!”…from the Army
This post was written by Audrey Amidon. Audrey is a Preservation Specialist in the Motion Picture Preservation Lab and writes for The Unwritten Record. James Wong Howe was one of America’s greatest cinematographers, with a career stretching from the golden age of silent cinema to the early 1970s. Nominated for ten Academy Awards, Howe won … Continue reading James Wong Howe: Hollywood’s Ace Cinematographer
Today's post was written by David Langbart, archivist in the Textual Records Division at the National Archives at College Park. In 1956, Tony Curtis was an up-and-coming actor. In a career stretching from the 1940s to the 2000s, he starred in both dramatic and comedic films. By 1956, he had had some success in such … Continue reading Tony Curtis on Creating Good Will for America: 1956
Today’s post is by Jason Atkinson, an Archivist in the Textual Records Division at the National Archives in College Park, MD. It is not every day you open a box full of government records and find an original signed and embossed letter from a major movie star. However, such was the case when I was … Continue reading The King of Cool: Steve McQueen in the Archives
Today's post is written by Jacob Lusk, Archives Specialist in Textual Reference at the National Archives in College Park, MD. Though best known for such classic films as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) and It's a Wonderful Life (1946), director Frank Capra also led a distinguished career with the United States Army. He served as a second lieutenant … Continue reading Frank Capra’s Security Clearance
Today's post is written by Cody White, archivist at the National Archives at Denver. "Cut to a close-up of the turbines turning. Cut to water pouring over the dam. Cut to the kid spitting out and over the dam. Cut to the kid looking down at the water rushing past. Voice over; 'Coming March 15th, … Continue reading “Throw Dummy Off Dam;” Filming at the Hoover Dam
Today’s post is written by David Langbart, an Archivist in the Textual Records Division at the National Archives at College Park. During World War II, the U.S. government produced propaganda films to rally public support. Among the most famous of those motion pictures is Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress released in 1944. The … Continue reading Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress
Today’s post was written by Laney Stevenson, Archives Technician at the National Archives at College Park. Although fashion may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of government records and the holdings of the National Archives, fashion and dress has, and continues to be, a significant aspect of life for many … Continue reading Edith Head: Designer to the Stars
Today’s post is written by Daniel Dancis, an Archivist in the Textual Processing Branch at the National Archives, College Park. Americans and cinema enthusiasts the world over will be tuning in this weekend to watch who will receive the Academy Awards at the 90th Oscars ceremony. Someone from the Pentagon may also be paying attention … Continue reading With the Pentagon’s Blessing: Hollywood, the Military, and Don Baruch
