Summary
- Collection ID:
- NMAH.AC.0465
- Creators:
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Carleton, Herbert W., d. 1992
- Dates:
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1912-1919
- Languages:
-
- Physical Description:
-
- Repository:
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A collection of motion picture publicity stills collected by Herbert O. Carleton (1887-1962), cameraman during the Silent Era of filmmaking.
Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents
The Carleton Collection is a series of 461 feature film still photographs taken during the years 1912-1919. The stills are arranged alphabetically according to film titles. Most of the stills are in excellent condition, although some are torn or cracked at the edges. Only two of the films (The Awakening of Helena Richie and Birth of a Race) from which the stills were taken appear to exist. The stills are probably most notable for the wide array of early screen and stage actors from the period, including Lionel and Ethel Barrymore, Francis X. Bushman and Beverly Bayne, and a very young Frank Morgan.
Arrangement
Arrangement
The collection is arranged chronologically and by title.
Biographical / Historical
Biographical / Historical
Herbert Oswald Carleton was born in Rochester, N.Y. In his early life he worked as a mechanic and small time inventor, then worked as a motion picture projectionist before getting involved in camera work. Not a cinematographer in the modern sense, Carleton worked primarily with one director and shot only what the director asked for. The height of his output was 1915, when he photographed a number of Francis X. Bushman films. His career tapered off quickly after the release of Birth of a Race, the most expensive, but poorly made film of the silent period. Carleton later turned up doing short films and feature length documentaries in the 30's, before disappearing from the film scene.
Administration
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Apparently these stills from H. O. Carleton's films were passed on to Herbert W. Carleton at the former's death. They were donated to the Archives Center by Herbert W. Carleton on October 9, 1992.
Processing Information
Collection processed by David Haberstich, 1997. Compiled by Julie Buck, 1995 and preliminary attributions by Laura Murray, 1993.
Using the Collection
Preferred Citation
Herbert W. Carleton Motion Picture Stills Collection, 1912-1919, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Keywords
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
P.O. Box 37012
Suite 1100, MRC 601
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
archivescenter@si.edu
