Introduction to the Collection

The Papers of Budd Schulberg contain correspondence, including e-mail print outs and faxes, manuscripts, typescripts, annotated magazines, newspaper clippings, photographs, galley proofs, notes, address books, calendar books, financial and legal documents, diaries, scrapbooks and memorabilia of screenwriter and author Budd Schulberg. The bulk of the papers include research and manuscripts for his published and unpublished works and contain numerous drafts, revisions, notes and annotations that provide insight into Schulberg’s writing process. Newspaper clippings and magazines detail his interest in and experience with a variety of subjects addressed in his work, including boxing and labor unions. Furthermore, Schulberg’s relationship with his family is revealed in correspondence with his parents and siblings.

Of note are materials on the Watts Writers Workshop, which Schulberg helped to create in response to the Watts riots in Los Angeles in 1965. Additionally, his correspondence related to "On the Waterfront" includes exchanges with Director Elia Kazan referencing the casting of actor Marlon Brando in the film. The papers also include a small collection of Nazi memorabilia acquired during his service in World War II.