The majority of the collection consists of production files for three of Preminger's latter works: Hurry Sundown, In Harm's Way, and Skidoo. Unfortunately, no records for earlier films such as Laura, Anatomy of a Murder, Exodus, or Advise and Consent are included. A small file of biographical clippings, samples of motion picture logos, and miscellany from Paramount Pictures complete the collection. Arrangement is in two series: a General File and Motion Pictures.
The MOTION PICTURES production files are arranged in a rough chronological sequence with variant scripts completing each file. The type and quantity of material varies with each film but may include scripts, correspondence, call sheets, reports, rundowns, breakdowns, notes, music, lists, budgets, schedules, designs and sketches, clippings, press releases, promotional material, and box office reports; these document aspects of film-making such as writing, casting, design, technical production, and promotion. Among materials for In Harm's Way are files relating to the production designs and special effects needed to stage the film's World War II naval battle sequences. Also included is a scrapbook of photographs and posters documenting the film's promotion in China (“Cathay”), which reveals the international aspects of film distribution and promotion. The Skidoo files are the most extensive in the collection and contain sketches from art director Bob Smith and various promotional and publicity files. Among the latter are a Preminger spot on the Steve Allen talk show and a newsreel featurette about the film's production. Also included is a “daily diary,” which traces Skidoo through pre-production, production, and post-production. The diary is arranged by day and consists of charts of production hours, script pages completed, and monies spent; production reports; clippings; call sheets; and notes describing the day's activities. The latter occasionally include short quotes that Preminger made on the set which reveal his directing methods and temperament. Much of the material relating to Skidoo was placed on deposit by Ronald Policy, who used the papers in writing his dissertation. A copy of Policy's dissertation, which describes the film's production and includes photographs, completes the Skidoo files.
