Converted to EAD3 : Encoded Archival Description (EAD), Version 3 : Release: 1.1.1 : Release Date: 2019-12-16. Validating against latest version of schema.
Contact information: https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.music/perform.contact
Catalog Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/2014572484
Collection material in English
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the LC Catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically.
Purchase, 2013.
No further accruals are expected.
The Milton Berle Papers were processed by Anita M. Weber and Christopher Hartten from 2017-2018. Christopher Hartten and Anita M. Weber coded the finding aid for EAD format in 2018.
Audiovisual materials from the Milton Berle Papers were received by the Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound division (MBRS) in 2013, where they are identified as part of the Milton Berle Collection (MAVIS collection no. 14853). This material was never in the custody of the Music Division. Other audiovisual materials held by the Music Division were transferred to MBRS between 2013 and 2018. An inventory of this transferred material is available in the Music Division's collection file.
Materials from the Milton Berle Papers are governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.) and other applicable international copyright laws.
The Milton Berle Papers are open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the Music Division prior to visiting in order to determine whether the desired materials will be available at that time.
Certain restrictions to use or copying of materials may apply.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [item, date, container number], Milton Berle Papers, Music Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
The Milton Berle Papers document the life and work of actor, author, comic, lyricist, producer, and vaudevillian, Milton Berle. The collection spans the period 1906-2002, with the bulk of the material falling between 1932 and 1990. Berle's performances are documented through a variety of media, including: comedic writings (monologues; jokes, gags, routines, and sketches); scripts; correspondence; business and financial records; printed and manuscript music; photographs and iconography; posters; book drafts and published editions; promotional and publicity materials; scrapbooks; clippings; and realia. Though extensive, the collection is not comprehensive. Documentation related to Berle's business activities and the inner workings of productions in which we was involved is quite limited.
The
Berle's propensity to collect gags and jokes from his fellow comedians and other sources is quite apparent. The collection has typescripts of jokes from the radio programs of Fred Allen, Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, and Bob Hope, as well as an extensive set of Fun-Master joke, gag, and black out material. Other comedic writings include routines, such as Irving Benson's "The Man in the Box" and "The Heckler" bits, "The Professor" with Sid Caesar, Henny Youngman's "Heckle" bit, and an extensive number of sketches and scenes submitted by various writers. Rundowns provide a glimpse into show running order and bits used in performances.
Scripts do not exist for every episode of each series, especially the radio programs, but there is a complete run of the Texaco Star Theatre television programs. Not all of Berle's films are represented; there are no silent-era scripts, for example. Among the television guest appearances are Berle's Emmy-nominated performance in "Doyle Against the House" for the
Scripts from Berle's theatrical performances include
Performances by other comedians and actors are also represented by scripts for individual episodes of
Berle was an inveterate writer. The
Berle's business career is less well-documented in the collection. Correspondence and business papers are limited and there are very few production files. Much of what does exist to document Berle's activity as a producer of stage productions, including
The
The
Visual depictions of Berle in performance and with family, friends, and colleagues are located in the
The fifteen
Personal and biographical information for Berle and his extended family is located in the
The Collection is organized in 15 series:
Catalog Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/2014572484
Cue cards, gags and one-liners, jokes (on cards and typescript), routines, rundowns, sketches and scenes, and stories.
Arranged in five subseries: Monologues, Gags/Jokes/One-Liners, Routines, Rundowns, and Sketches and Scenes.
Drafts and completed acts handwritten on cards or yellow sheets and typescript.
Arranged alphabetically by type of event.
Bound volumes (1959-1961) include the following events:
Drafts and completed material.
Arranged in three file units: Material by Berle, Material for Berle, and Collected Material.
Scripts for routines performed by Berle and his regular comedic partners.
Arranged alphabetically by file name.
Lists of act elements or performance orders.
Arranged alphabetically by event name.
Includes:
Scripts and outlines for comedic bits purchased or submitted on spec.
Arranged by subject.
Scripts from Berle's radio and television programs, films, stand-alone television programs, radio and television guest appearances, nightclub acts, and theatrical productions.
Arranged in six subseries: Berle Shows, Berle Performances, Produced by Berle, Radio Scripts (non-Berle), and Submitted Scripts (Berle/non-Berle)
Bound and typescript versions of scripts from Berle's radio and television programs.
Arranged first by performance media (Radio or Television), then chronologically by show air or production date
Contents:
Bound and typescript versions of scripts from Berle's films, guest appearances on radio and television programs, commercials, and live performances.
Arranged in eight file units by by performance type (films, radio guest appearances, theatre, television - one off appearances, television - series guest, commercials, live performances, and video productions); each file unit is arranged alphabetically by program/event title.
Volume 1 includes:
Volume 2 includes:
Volume 3 includes:
Volume 4 includes:
Includes:
Typescript drafts.
Arranged alphabetically by show title.
Typescripts from radio programs in which Berle did not appear.
Arranged alphabetically by program title.
Typescript outlines, proposals, stories, summaries, and treatments for programs generated by Berle and his writing partners.
Arranged alphabetically by show title.
Includes:
Scripts, correspondence, financial materials, outlines, prospectuses, synopses, and treatments for radio, television, film, and stage projects submitted to Berle offices for review.
Arranged alphabetically by show title.
Personal and business materials, including brochures, clippings, correspondence, financial records, photographs, and telegrams.
Arranged in three chronological groupings: 1932-1956, 1958-1963, and 1972-1994, 2000-2001.
Correspondence, clippings, manuscript drafts and completed works, proofs, published works, and speeches.
Arranged into two subseries: Works by Berle and Works by Others.
Correspondence, clippings, manuscript drafts and completed works, proofs, published works, and speeches.
Arranged into five file units: Books, Short Stories, Articles, Newspaper Columns, and Eulogies and Speeches.
Contents:
Contents:
Contents:
Contents:
Manuscript drafts.
Arranged alphabetically by last name of author.
Advertisements, agreements, budgets, contracts, correspondence, financial reports and invoices, music, programs, reports, routines, and telegrams.
Arranged alphabetically into eight file units: Comedy Software, Contracts, Financials, Licensing Agreements, Paid Invoices, Production Files, Representation, and Song Management. Within each, file units are arranged alphabetically or chronologically as appropriate.
Chiefly full scores, piano-conductor scores, and parts for music used in Berle radio and/or television programs or for other personal appearances and special events. Includes piano-vocal scores or lead sheets with lyrics by Berle, as well as a small quantity of songs by other composers.
Full scores, piano-conductor scores, and parts for songs and incidental music used in Berle radio shows and/or television programs, stand-up comedy appearances, and other events.
Arranged alphabetically by title. The container list indicates the range of titles that may be found throughout the specified boxes, as many selections do not have corresponding full scores. Researchers are advised to request all boxes listed under a given heading to ensure that they have everything pertaining to a desired title.
Piano-vocal scores, lead sheets, and lyric sheets for works composed in collaboration with Berle. Includes miscellaneous lyric sheets and drafts without corresponding music.
Arranged alphabeticlly by title.
Mostly piano-vocal scores, lead sheets, and lyric sheets by miscellaneous composers. Some works have accompanying correspondence or other materials.
Arranged alphabetically by last name of composer.
Prints, negatives, transparencies, and slides.
Arranged alphabetically in four file units: Personality File, Events/Performances, Production Stills, and Photo Albums.
Contents:
Contents of 174/16:
Contents of 250/8:
Contents:
Contents:
Contents:
Contents:
Caricatures and other representations in the form of clippings, pencil drawings and other artwork, and magazine covers.
Arranged alphabetically by folder title.
Articles, bios, certificates, obituaries, personal financial records, and vital records.
Arranged alphabetically by folder title.
Bound volumes and loose pages containing clippings, photographs, and handwritten summaries.
Arranged chronologically.
Advertising campaign materials, clippings, press releases, correspondence, and press kits.
Arranged alphabetically by folder title.
Booklets and broadsides from Berle's stage performances.
Arranged alphabetically by event type, then chronologically or alphabetically therein, as appropriate.
Includes:
Broadsides, lobby cards, and posters.
Arranged alphabetically by format.
Contents:
Contents:
Contents:
Biographical articles, publicity squibs, and reviews.
Arranged chronologically by year.
Baby name bracelet, first day issue covers, commemorative plate, dog tags, grease paint stick, and script binders.
Arranged by subject.
Contents:
Contents: