Jack O'Brian papers, circa 1940s-1970s
Collection context
- Creator:
- O'Brian, Jack
- Extent:
- 25 linear feet (13 plastic bins, 1 half-manuscript box)
- Language:
- English
- Scope and content:
-
Correspondence, articles, etc.
- Biographical / historical:
-
An entertainment journalist best known for his longtime role as a television critic for New York Journal American.
O'Brian was pivotal in the exposure of the quiz show scandal centering on the quiz show Twenty-One. In 1958, he published the contention by former contestant Herbert Stempel that the NBC game was rigged. Later came an investigation by New York County Assistant District Attorney Joseph Stone that led to Grand Jury testimony and ultimately Congressional hearings in 1959. The House probe, led by Congressional investigator Richard N. Goodwin, resulted in the dramatic admission by the man who had defeated Herb Stempel on Twenty-One, Charles Van Doren, that the program was indeed fixed.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Unprocessed, but some material has been reviewed and can be made available. Please contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
This collection is located on-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu