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Lesser (Sol) papers
2304
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Cinematic Arts Library
Title: Sol Lesser papers
Creator:
Lesser, Sol, 1890-1980
Identifier/Call Number: 2304
Physical Description:
16 Linear Feet
12 boxes
Date (inclusive): 1903-1976
Abstract: This collection contains scripts, clippings, pamphlets, contracts, photographs, and other materials from to the career of
producer, theater owner, and an instructor of film studies, Sol Lesser, ranging from 1917 to 1976.
Language of Material:
English.
Advance notice required for access.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Sol Lesser, January 28, 1970.
Sol Lesser (1890-1980) was an American film producer, movie theater owner, and an instructor of film studies upon retiring
from his production company and theater chain businesses. He produced over 115 movies and co-owned around 175 movie theaters
during his career.
[Box/folder no. or item name], Sol Lesser papers, Collection no. 2304, Cinematic Arts Library, USC Libraries, University of
Southern California.
This collection is not fully processed.
This collection contains scripts, clippings, pamphlets, contracts, photographs, and other materials from to the career of
producer, theater owner, and college instructor of film studies, Sol Lesser, ranging from 1917 to 1976. The collection reflects
Lesser's career as a film producer (1919-1958), co-owner of West Coast Theaters, and later as an instructor at the University
of Southern California (USC). Films produced by Lesser include Oliver Twist and 13 different Tarzan features.
There are 48 screenplays (1933-1951); scenarios of 14 stage plays (1905-1920); correspondence, contracts, scrapbooks, production
books, publicity, and photographs including approximately 230 stills from more than 30 films. There are also pamphlets, booklets,
and magazines relating to the history of motion pictures. Among the screenplays are The Terror of Tiny Town (1933), Peck's
Bad Boy (1934), Whispering Smith Speaks (1935), Rainbow on the River (1936), O'Malley of the Mounted (1936), It Happened Out
West (1937), and the Tarzan features.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
Finding aid description and metadata are licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Cinematic Arts Library
at ctlibarc@usc.edu. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Cinematic Arts Library as the owner of the physical
items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Scripts
Motion picture producers and directors -- California -- Los Angeles -- Archival resources
Actors -- California -- Los Angeles -- Photographs
Film sets -- Photographs
Oral histories (document genres)
Scrapbooks
Lesser, Sol, 1890-1980 -- Archives