William James papers

Collection

Identifier: D.168

Staff Only

Biographical / Historical note

William James was born on June 11, 1911 in Rochester, New York. After majoring in the sciences and graduating from the University of Rochester in 1933, James worked for Kodak as an assistant manager processing 16mm film in the company's Cairo, Egypt lab. In 1937, James moved back to the United States and worked as a general production assistant for Sound Masters, Inc. in New York City. Along with two partners, James organized the company Spot Film Production and worked for four years as the manager in charge of commercial sound studio work. Beginning in 1942, James worked for International Film Foundation, Inc. located in New York City. During this period, James traveled to South America and directed and photographed Bolivia, Fundo in Chile, Central Chile, Housing in Chili, Paraguay and other productions. In 1946, James directed My Name is Han filmed in China, as well as other films shot in Asia: Letter from China, The Invisible Bridge, Sampan Family and Peiping Family. After forming a partnership of James & Schwep with Charles Schwep, he traveled to Japan. Between 1948 and 1950, James co-directed and co-produced with Schwep five films. James then traveled to India and neighboring countries and shot three films on behalf on three different church organizations located in the United States. Beginning in 1951 until his death, James worked as a free-lance director and unit producer.

Scope and Contents

The William James Papers is comprised of three series: Personal Papers, Business Records and Printed Materials. The first series includes correspondence written from and to James from ca. 1942- 1953, a draft and final paper written in 1935 while at the University of Rochester, and a birthday tribute poem presented by Mabel Gleason. Business Records is made up of financial receipts from James's career as a film director and producer. Also in this series are photographs James took while traveling in Japan, India and other parts of Asia. Many of these photographs have captions on their versos. Printed Materials include the November 1939 issue of Travel that features a series of James's photography shot in Kerbela, Iraq, as well as other trade journals that address trends in photography and the film industry. Also in this series in a folder with a memorial service program, a newspaper clipping, Christmas card designed by James and other items.

Creator

James, William, 1911-1953 (Person)

Dates

Creation: circa 1935-1977

Language of Materials

English

Extent

4 box(es)

Access

The William James Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books, Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The William James Papers were a gift of Mrs. Mabel (Gleason) Olney Harkness, (UR 1935), on November 7, 1980.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], William James Papers, D.168, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester