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:

After review December 2019, collection is CLOSED until processing. 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.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Jack O'Brian Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must 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