Paul Rotha letters 4079284Rare Book and Manuscript Library
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This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2023-10-11 22:17:08 -0400.Description is written in: English, Latin script.Describing Archives: A Content Standard2010-02-24Legacy finding aid created from Pro Cite.2019-05-20EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration. Rare Book and Manuscript Library Paul Rotha letters Rotha, Paul, 1907-1984 4079284 MS#1092 English . 1 box 1 box (32 letters) 1930-1953 Arrangement

Arranged in chronological order.

 Restrictions on Access

This collection is located on-site.

 Restrictions on Access

This collection has no restrictions.

 Summary

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.

 Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Paul Rotha letters; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

 Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

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.

 Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--736556. Method of acquisition--Purchase; Date of acquisition--07/--/79. Accession number--M-79-07.

 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.

 Processing Information

Cataloged by Henry Rowen, September 1979 and July 1980. Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 09/--/89.

 Accruals

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

 Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchase: 736556 (July 1979).

Gift of Winifred A. Mysers, 1980.

 Documentary films Motion picture industry -- England Motion picture industry -- New York (State) -- New York Motion picture producers and directors Authors Journalists Hunt, Peter Series I: Cataloged CorrespondenceScope and Contents

The series is arranged in chronological order.

Subseries I.1: 1930Scope and Contents

The 1930 letters were written when Rotha was in London finishing up the publication ofThe Film Till Now, organizing a film group, writing articles for film magazines, and seeking work in film.

Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1930?]2 p. a.l.s.11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1930]1 p. a.l.11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1930]2 p. a.l.11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1930]4 p. a.l.11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)19302 p. a.l.11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1930?]2 p. a.l.s.11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)19303 p. a.l.11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)2 May 19302 p. a.l. (with envelope11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1930?]2 p. a.l.s.11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1930]2 p. a.l.11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)15 May 19304 p. a.l. (with envelope11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)20 May 19304 p. a.l. (with envelope11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)22 May 19302 p. a.l. (with envelope11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)30 May 19302 p. a.l.s. (with envelope11Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)12 June 19302 p. a.l. (with envelope11Subseries I.2: 1932-1934Scope and Contents

During this period, Rotha was writing articles forFilm Quarterlyand making documentaries for British Instructional Films. The letters mention work on the filmsContact,Rising Tide, andShipyard. They also mention the encouragement Rotha received from John Grierson and others.

Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1932?]4 p. a.l.s.12Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1932]1 p. a.l.12Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)11 May 19332 p. a.l.s. (with envelope12Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)26 May 19331 p. a.l. (with envelope12Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)29 May 19331 p. a.l. (with envelope12Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1934]2 p. a.l.12Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1934]3 p. a.l.s.12Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1934]2 p. a.l.s.12Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1934?]2 p. a.l.s.12Subseries I.3: 1937Scope and Contents

In 1937, Rotha received a Rockefeller Foundation Grant to promote British Film through the Museum of Modern Art Film Library. In his letters to his wife, he describes his reactions to New York and to the people he meets there.

Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)September 19372 p. a.l.s. (with envelope13Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)30 September 19373 p. t.l.s. (with envelope13Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)5 October 19373 p. t.l.s. (with envelope13Subseries I.4: 1938-1939Scope and Contents

After Rotha returned from America, John Grierson offered him a staff position with his documentary consultant firm, Film Centre Ltd. The following letters appear to have been written in 1939 when Rotha was directingThe Times. Preproduction for theThe Timeswas through Film Centre while Realist Film Unit handled production.

Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1938]1 p. a.l.s.14Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1939?]1 p. a.l.s14Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1939]1 p. t.l.s.14Rotha, Paul To Louise Lee Rotha (Mrs. Paul)[1939]1 p. t.l.s.14Subseries I.5: 1953Scope and Contents

Rotha was head of documentary film department for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) from 1953 to 1955. This memo is a gift of Winifred A. Myers, 1980.

Rotha, Paul To Peter Hunt16 November 19531 p. t.l.s. (memorandum15