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Creator
Brinkley, Don, 1921-2012
Call number
*T-Mss 2017-016
Physical description
17.92 linear feet (43 containers)
Language
English
Preferred Citation
Donald Brinkley collection, *T-Mss 2017-016. Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Repository
Billy Rose Theatre Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.Restrictions apply

Donald Brinkley (1921-2012) was an American television director, producer and writer. The Donald Brinkley collection, dating from 1946 to 1987, reflects Brinkley's success as a writer for many popular television shows.

Biographical/historical information

Donald "Don" Brinkley (1921-2012) was American television director, producer and writer. During the 1940s, Brinkley began his career as a writer at radio stations WGN Radio and CBS Radio in Chicago. His radio theatre credits include the Betty Grable and Harry James Show, and I Was a Communist for the FBI. After television became the dominant form of home entertainment, Brinkley ceased writing for radio.

In 1950, Brinkley moved to California where he was one of Hollywood's most successful television writers. Brinkley wrote over 400 televised scripts for comedy, drama, science fiction, and westerns; pilots for potential new shows, and variety specials. His credits include Ben Casey, Executive Suite (producer), The FBI, The Fugitive, Medical Center (producer) and Trapper John M.D. The Museum of Broadcasting (now the Paley Center for Media) held a two-night retrospective for Brinkley to honor his contributions to the entertainment industry.

In 2012, Brinkley died in Sag Harbor, New York.

Scope and arrangement

The Donald Brinkley collection, dated 1946 to 1987, holds scripts that document his career as a director, writer, and producer for television; and a writer of radio shows.

The collection offers a representative sampling of popular television shows from the 1950s through the 1980s. It demonstrates Brinkley's status as an in-demand writer for iconic television that includes long-running series such as The FBI, The Fugitive, and Medical Center.

Identifying information varies and that may include: title of production, title of episode, date, characters and cast; status of script, producer, studio's name, and writer's credit.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

The collection was donated by Gregory Brinkley and Dr. Anna Feldman Vertkin.

Processing information

Processed by Valerie Wingfield, 2018.

Using the collection

Location

Billy Rose Theatre Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright retained by any document's creator.

Access restrictions

Material in boxes 41, 42 and 43 have been cleaned. Recommend using a mask as needed.