Paul Rotha letters, 1930-1953

Collection context

Creator:
Rotha, Paul, 1907-1984
Extent:
1 box (1 box (32 letters))
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

A series of letters from Rotha to his wife, containing personal and professional observations during his early career in England and in New York. Also, one letter from Rotha to Peter Hunt.

Biographical / historical:

Film director, producer, author of works on the history of films, journalist, pioneer in documentary films.

Paul Rotha was born Paul Treeve Fawcett Thompson in Wealdstone, England on June 3 1907. He took the name Paul Rotha in 1926 while in art school on the advice of a teacher. He authored several important books on film history and theory including The Film Till Now (1930), Documentary Film (1936), Movie Parade (1936), and Documentary Diary: An Informal History of the British Documentary Film, 1928-1939 (1973). He was a major pioneer figure in the British documentary film movement. A producer, writer and director, his films include Contact (1932), Shipyard (1934), The World is Rich (1947), Cradle of Genius (1958), and The Life of Adolf Hitler (1960-1962). Rotha died on March 7, 1984.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Single photocopies 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); Paul Rotha letters; 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