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Finding Aid for the George Schaefer Papers, 1951-1991
588
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Title: George Schaefer papers,
Date (inclusive): 1951-1991
Collection number: 588
Creator: Schaefer, George, 1920-
Extent:
56 boxes (28 linear ft.)
23 oversize boxes
1 map folder
1 shoebox
Abstract: George Schaefer (1920-1991) was a producer and director for television, film, and theatre productions. The collection consists
of correspondence, production files, and scrapbooks related to Schaefer's career, particularly his work with television's
Hallmark Hall of Fame.
Repository:
University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Department of Special Collections.
Los Angeles, California 90095-1575
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.
George Schaefer (1920-1997) earned his B.A. from Lafayette College before attending Yale Drama School for one year. He enlisted
in the army during World War II, where he directed over fifty plays for the Central Pacific Base Command. Following the war,
he headed to New York to continue his work in the theatre. In 1953 he began his collaboration with Hallmark Hall of Fame television
productions, directing a live televised stage performance of Hamlet. Schaefer eventually produced and/or directed 57 Hallmark
productions, while he continued his work in theatre, feature films, and other television movies. His career spanned over 60
years, during which time he received many accolades. In 1985, he became the chair of the UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and
Television. Two years later, he became Associate Dean. Schaefer died following a long illness in 1991.
The collection consists of George Schaefer's correspondence and production files related to over eighty television, theatre,
and film projects. Files include production materials, clippings, publicity kits, scripts, and business correspondence, including
correspondence originating from Compass Productions and Foote, Cone, and Belding. The bulk of material relates to Schaefer's
directorial and production responsibilities for approximately 40 Hallmark Hall of Fame television productions. The files also
include scrapbooks of publicity materials and clippings, posters, a portion of his many awards and honors, and small amount
of teaching material from Schaefer's tenure as Department Chair and Associate Dean of the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and
Television.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Schaefer, George, 1920- --Archives.
Television producers and directors--United States--Archival resources.
Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, Inc.
Compass Productions.