Rod Serling papers, 1945-1969

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Summary

Creators:
Serling, Rod, 1924-
Abstract:
Rodman Edward Serling (1924-1975) wrote teleplays, screenplays, and many of the scripts for The Twilight Zone (1959-65). He also won 6 Emmy awards. The collection consists of scripts for films and television, including scripts for Serling's television program, The Twilight Zone. Also includes correspondence and business records primarily from 1966-1968.
Extent:
23 boxes (11.5 linear ft.)
Language:
Finding aid is written in English.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of scripts for films and television as well as scripts and publications relating to Serling's television program, The Twilight Zone. Also includes correspondence and business records primarily from 1966-1968.

Biographical / historical:

Rodman Edward Serling was born December 25, 1924 in Syracuse, New York; served as paratrooper in 11th Airborne Division during World War II; discharged as a result of a shrapnel wound, 1946; attended Antioch College and began writing, directing, and acting in local radio plays; sold first television script in 1949; married wife Carol in 1948 and had two daughters; moved to Hollywood to write teleplays in mid-1950s; won 6 Emmy awards with scripts for Patterns, Requiem for a Heavyweight, and The Comedian, among others; was the first writer to be president of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences; wrote many of the scripts for The Twilight Zone (1959-65), and served as its on-air host; wrote several screenplays, including Planet of the Apes and Seven Days in May; died June 28, 1975, after undergoing open-heart surgery.

Acquisition information:

Gift of Rod Serling, 1968, 1969.

Gift of Carol Serling, 2009.

Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series:

  1. Television, film, and radio scripts ( Boxes 1-7, 15-17, 21-22).
  2. Twilight Zone Scripts (Boxes 8-9, 18).
  3. Twilight Zone Publications (18-20).
  4. Contracts and agreements (Boxes 7, 23).
  5. Correspondence (Boxes 10-14).

Physical location:
Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
Website