- Creator
- Landis, Carole, 1919-1948
- Call number
- *T-Mss 1998-039
- Physical description
- .5 linear feet (1 box)
- Preferred Citation
- Letters to James R. Pattarini, Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library
- Repository
- Billy Rose Theatre Division
- Access to materials
- Request an in-person research appointment.
Carole Landis, born Frances Ridste on January 1, 1919 in Fairchild, Wisconsin, was a film star of the 1940s who entertained American troops with the USO during World War II. She began her film career as an extra in 1937 and became a leading lady in 1940 when she appeared in ONE MILLION B.C. She worked on many films through the 1940s including TURNABOUT (1940), TOPPER RETURNS (1941), HAVING A WONDERFUL CRIME (1944), IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN TO A DOG (1946), and A SCANDAL IN PARIS (1946). Landis died on July 5, 1948 from an overdose of sleeping pills while in the midst of getting divorced from her fourth husband. Collection consists of letters by Carole Landis or her personal secretary, Nan Stuart, to Jimmy Pattarini, a young soldier and fan. They document Landis' busy schedule travelling from coast to coast as well as overseas to shoot films or tour. Includes a few snapshots of Landis and Stuart and Pattarini's Request for Special Liberty to meet Landis at the 20th Century Fox Studios.
Administrative information
Source of acquisition
Papers: Purchase, Charles Apfelbaum, 11/23/1998Using the collection
Location
Billy Rose Theatre DivisionNew York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor