University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
URL: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html



Guide to the Houston Branch Papers, 1919-1962


Coll. 249





Finding aid prepared by processing staff

Finding aid encoded by ArchProteus, 2006
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.


Overview of the Collection

 
Repository Name:
 

University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives

1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
URL: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html

 
Collection Number:
 

Coll. 249

 
Creator:
 

Branch, Houston, 1905-1968

 
Title:
 

Houston Branch Papers

 
Dates:
 

1919-1962 (inclusive)

 
Quantity:
 

15 linear feet
12 containers

 
Languages:
 

Collection materials are in English. 

 
Summary:
 

Houston Branch (1899-1968) was a writer, editor, publicist, and organization executive. The collection contains literary manuscripts, correspondence, and records relating to Branch's work as a creative writer and in public relations.

 

Biographical Note

Houston Branch, writer, editor, publicist, and organization executive, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on March 5. The year of Branch's birth has been listed as 1899, 1903, or 1905; the correct date cannot be verified, but it is most likely 1899 since that is the year Branch himself used on copyright documents found in the collection. Branch began his career as a reporter for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 1920, became associate editor of Western Magazine in 1922, and then worked as a feature writer for the San Antonio Express and Dallas News from 1922 to 1924. Branch began writing plays in the early 1920s, and by 1926 was living in and writing for Hollywood. He is the author of more than 200 works, ranging from screenplays and teleplays to novels, short stories and theatrical plays. Branch pioneered the use of the achievements of industry as background and themes for theatrical films such as Tiger Shark (tuna fishing), Wild Harvest (harvesting), and Silk Express (railroading). Branch was also a pioneer in the field of public relations, and is credited with organizing the first "Neiman Marcus style" runway fashion show. In many ways he was ahead of his time, writing a self-help book in 1950, Duality, The Science of Dynamic Living, and initiating the now widespread public relations practice of "exploitation campaigns," using product placement in feature films and television programs. In this way Branch often combined his skills as a writer and publicist.

Branch's career was not limited to writing and public relations; however, he served as an expert consultant on training films for the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1942 - 1943, as editor of technical publications for the Marguardt Corp from 1959 - 1963, and as the executive director of the Academy of Applied Science from 1963 - 1968. In 1938, Branch founded the American Library Foundation, organized to secure books and libraries for rural school children, and served as the foundation's director.

Branch married Mildred E. Clark on January 13, 1942, and they had one daughter, Victoria Elaine. Mildred died in July 1957. Branch, who had spent most of his adult life in California, moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts to serve as director of the Academy of Applied Science in 1963 and he lived there until his death on January 27, 1968.

Source: Who Was Who in America with World Notables, Vol. V, 1969 - 1973. Chicago, IL : Marquis Who's Who, 1973, p. 82

Content Description

The Houston Branch Papers consist primarily of manuscripts, including screenplays, teleplays, short stories, novels, screen treatments, screen stories, theatrical plays, and operettas. The manuscripts are arranged alphabetically by title. Branch often collaborated with composer Charles Wakefield Cadman, Branch writing the book for operettas or musicals and Cadman composing the music. The two sometimes collaborated on song lyrics, but Branch primarily wrote the lyrics in addition to the book while Cadman wrote the score. Notable among the many manuscripts are the shooting script for Tiger Shark, starring Edward G. Robinson; The Black Pearl; The Booby Prize; and Feather In His Crown, among others. Although the manuscripts of Branch's two novels written with Frank Waters, Diamond Head and River Lady, are not included in the collection, there are folders of material related to them, including a legal suit over the use of the title "Diamond Head" which spanned 14 years.

It is important to note that Branch often wrote under pseudonyms, and nine different pseudonyms appear on various manuscripts within the collection. A list of these pseudonyms appears at the end of the inventory.

A small amount of Branch's correspondence is included in the collection. The majority of the correspondence has been placed in the relevant Public Relations folders. General correspondence comprises only one folder at the beginning of the collection. Notable among the correspondence are original letters from Albert Einstein, Carl Sandburg, and Edna Ferber regarding the American Library Foundation (11/16). The originals have been removed to safe folder #31 and copies remain in the collection. An original letter from Prince Rainier of Monaco has been removed from 11/8; this letter contains public relations material regarding the submarine "Cetacean."

A sampling of Branch's public relations work concludes the collection. In addition to the previously mentioned American Library Foundation, Branch established the American Landmarks Association, and also spent several years promoting the aforementioned privately constructed and owned two man submarine, the "Cetacean." The "Cetacean" was used as a theme for a T.V. series and several projected movies, most of which were never produced. Also included are folders from Huston Branch Associates, Branch's public relations firm, including promotions for Cuban tourism and an "exploitation campaign" for the Tucker Sno-Cat.

Arrangement

Collection is organized into the following series:

Correspondence

Manuscripts

Public Relations

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information 

Gift of Victoria Branch in 1968.

Processing Note 

Collection processed by processing staff, August 2006.

Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Access 

Collection is open to the public.

Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room.

Restrictions on Use 

Property rights reside with Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries. Copyright resides with the creators of the documents or their heirs. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to Special Collections and University Archives. The reader must also obtain permission of the copyright holder.

Preferred Citation 

[Identification of item], Houston Branch Papers, Coll. 249, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon.

Subjects

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.

 
Branch, Houston, 1905-1968
Cadman, Charles Wakefield, 1881-1946
Einstein, Albert, 1879-1955--Correspondence
Ferber, Edna, 1887-1968--Correspondence
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, 1923-2005
Sandberg, Carl, 1878-1967--Correspondence
American Library Foundation
Houston Branch Associates
Dramatists, American
Public relations--United States
Screenwriters--United States

Detailed Description of the Collection

 

Biographical Information

 
Container(s)
Description
 
box
1
folder
1

Biographical information
 

 

Correspondence

 
Container(s)
Description
 
box
1
folder
2

General
 

 

Manuscripts

 
Container(s)
Description
Dates
 
box
1
folder
3

Aaron Steel. 3 act play. Alternate title: Rays of Darkness
  1923
 
4
The Amanda M. Fife Mutiny. Outline for a teleplay. 4 complete drafts, 1 incomplete draft, and notes
 
 
5
American Holiday. Play
 
 
6
American Holiday. 3 act play. Revised version
  1935
 
7
American Pilgrimage. Original Story and Screen Treatment
  1940
 
8
Another Man's Poison. 3 act play
  1945
 
9
Appointment With Death
  1953
 
Script. 1 clipping from Variety.
 
10
Armistice Day. Treatment for a screenplay. 1 letter from Warner Bros. to Branch
  1937
 
11
Armistice Day. Treatment. Different version
 
 
12
Arms of the Fleet. Screen Story. 2 versions; notes; 2 letters, 1 clipping. Alternate title: The Life For Me
 
 
13
Athens Express. Film Treatment. 4 versions
  1955
 
14
Babe and Me and Mary. Screen story?
 
 
1 p. notes, 1 letter, 5 clippings
 
15
Bad Boy, Good Girl. Original screen story
 
 
16
Barbary Coast. Outline of a 3 act play, notes. Alternate title: Coastwise
 
 
17
Barbary Coast. 2 screen versions; notes
 
 
18
The Bargain #1. 4 act play
  1920, 1924
 
19
The Bargain #2. Screen shooting script (set in New Orleans)
 
 
20
The Bargain #3. Screen treatment. 2 versions and notes (set in New York City)
 
 
21
Beach Boy. Original screen story outline. 1 complete draft; 3 incomplete drafts; notes; research materials; 1 letter
 
 
22
The Beachcomber. Original screen story
 
 
23
Beggar of Love. Original screen story by Branch and Frank Waters. 2 drafts, notes
 
 
24
Beggars of the Sea. Movie scenario by Branch and Frank Waters. 2 drafts; notes; various loose pages
 
 
25
Belle of the Yukon. Treatment
  1943
 
2 1
Beyond Good & Evil. Play Premise? 4 drafts
 
 
2
The Big Bite. Screen Story. 1 draft and notes
 
 
3
The Big Haircut. Screen story
 
 
notes; 3 letters; 3 clippings
 
4
The Big Jackpot. Shooting script, Republic Pictures. Master Schedule
  1954, 1955
 
5
Bitter Root Valley. Written For TV series "Wagon Train." Rough draft, various incomplete drafts; notes; 1 letter. Alternate title: Winter Thaw
 
 
6
Bitter Sweet. 3 Act play."As played in St. Louis."
  June 5, 1933
 
7
Black Gold. Screen story, film shooting script
  1934
 
8
The Black Pearl. Treatment
 
 
9
The Black Pearl. First version
 
 
10
The Black Pearl. Second draft screen play
 
 
11
The Black Pearl. Shooting script. Early draft
 
 
12
The Black Pearl. Shooting script. Ararat Productions
 
 
13
The Black Pearl. Shooting script with revisions. Houston Branch Associates
 
 
14
The Black Pearl. Changes in script. (p. 110 - 117B missing)
 
 
15
The Black Pearl. Discards from script
 
 
16
The Black Pearl. Production material
 
 
17
The Black Pearl. Notes
 
 
18
The Black Pearl. Correspondence
  1953-1958
 
19
The Black Pearl. Financial Material
 
 
20
The Black Pearl. Research Materials
 
 
21
The Black Pearl. Research Materials
 
 
22
The Black Pearl. Photographs
 
 
23
The Blackguard. Musical romance
 
 
24
Bless The Man. Teleplay Outline
 
 
25
The Blond Woman. "Founded upon the great sea saga of that name by Rolf Thorwalson."
 
 
26
The Blood Bond. Adaptation. 2 drafts. Alternate title: Gang War
 
 
27
Blood Enemy (of the Yagus). Premise
 
 
1 complete draft, various incomplete drafts, notes, and 1 clipping
 
28
Blow Devil. Synopsis (One line continuity)
  1953
 
29
Boards [the story of the theatre]
  1920?
 
30
The Booby Prize
  1949
 
3 act play. 1 complete draft, 1 incomplete draft.
 
3 1
The Booby Prize. Notes and research materials
 
 
2
The Border Beat. Outline of a teleplay for Wire Service. 1 complete draft, various incomplete drafts, notes and 1 clipping. See also: 1200 Laughing Gods; Wetback Story
 
 
3
Bravely Waiting. Stage synopsis, original screen treatment
 
 
4
Bravely Waiting. Screenplay, shooting script
 
 
5
The Bright Shawl. By Joseph Hergeshimer. Adapted as a musical romance by Lillian Albertson and Houston Branch
 
 
6
Bull on the Tracks. TV episode for "Cimarron City." Retitled from: Rough Shod
 
 
4 drafts, notes, letter, 1 clipping
 
7
By the Dawn's Early Light. Screen story. Outline, 1 complete draft, various incomplete drafts and notes
 
 
8
Can Can [The Music and Paris of Offenbach]. Music arranged by Antal Dorati. Plot Line and Scene Outline. 3 drafts. Plot synopsis. List of Characters
 
 
9
Can Can. Scene drafts; notes; 1 letter
 
 
10
The Candy Kid. Screen premise. 9 drafts, 1 letter, 1 clipping
 
 
Includes: Chicken Shack. Outline and notes for a 3 act play; short story. 2 copies. See also: White Women; Every Day Was Christmas
 
11
Canvas Cage. Original story for the screen. 2 drafts
 
 
12
Canvas Cage. Original story for the screen
 
 
1 draft, 2 clippings, note
 
13
Captain Typhoon. Original screen story by Houston Branch and Wolfe Kaufman. 2 drafts
 
 
14
Captain Typhoon. Original screen story by Houston Branch and Wolfe Kaufman. 1 draft, notes, 2 letters
 
 
15
Cattle King
 
 
16
Charlie Chan in Morocco. 2 drafts, 1 clipping. Alternate title: Mr. Wong in Morocco
 
 
17
Cheap Girl. One act play [comedy]. 2 drafts, notes
  1922, 1929
 

Chicken Shack
 
 
18
China Seas. Shooting script for screen
 
 
19
Chinook Passage. Screen story
 
 
20
Christmas Present. Short story (screen story?) "Sold to Monogram". 2 copies, notes, 1 letter
 
 
21
Cimarron Crossing. Story Outline. 5 drafts, 1 Line Continuity, Notes Also titled: Texas Rose
  1953
 
22
The City of Angels. 3 act comedy by Houston Branch and Charles Webb
  1931
 
23
The Clay Pigeon. Story line for a teleplay
  1954
 
24
The Clown. Suggested story idea based on "The Show Down". 2 drafts, notes
 
 
25
Come Live With Me. 3 act comedy, copyright by Houston Branch as Springing Stephen. 1 draft, notes, correspondence, clippings
  1949
 
26
The Commodore Sloat Story. Outline for a "Wagon Train" episode
 
 
27
Companion Wanted. "Sold to Republic." Synopsis, screen adaptation from the book/story"Gay Pilgrimage."
 
 
28
Congo. Screen Story. See also: End of the Line. Includes: Congo Crossing. Screen story; revision of Congo
  1950
 
29
Conquered Women. Original screen story
  1944
 
4 1
The Cracking Point. Screen story. 2 drafts. "Sold to Independent Producer."
 
 
2
Cubanita. "A story of Romance and Adventure." By Eugenia Clark. 2 drafts
 
 
3
Cubanita. Outline of an Operetta. Stage Version Book by Houston Branch, Music by Charles Wakefield Cadman
 
 

Dames Are Poison
 
 
4
Dance Team. Screen Treatment, notes
 
 
5
A Dark Miracle. One Act Comedy. 2 copies
 
 
6
Davy Crockett. The Greek War, pt. 1. Production #5575, Telecast #7. Revised by Tom Blackburn
  December 8, 1954
 
7
Davy Crockett. I Get Into Politics, pt. 2. Production #5550. Revised by Tom Blackburn
  1954
 
8
Death At Noon. Story outline. Notes, research materials
  February 7, 1933
 
9
Death on the Dot, A Mark Sabre Mystery. Story Outline. 3 drafts
 
 
10
The Deep End. Novella by Kinsey Stewart
 
 
11
The Deep End. Novella by Houston Branch, notes. Alternate Title: Time To Kill; Harbor Command
 
 
12
Deep Water Man. Proposed television series. Premise
 
 
4 drafts. Episode Outline. Notes. Clippings. Contract Correspondence. Photographs.
 
13
The Devil Has Wings. Screen story. 2 drafts
 
 
14
Diamond Head. Correspondence and Reviews of novel by Houston Branch and Frank Waters. Publicity articles
 
 
15
Diamond Head. Legal suit regarding use of title
  1949-1963
 
Correspondence. Notes. 3 Clippings.
 
16
Divorce Before Marriage. Reno, Nevada story. 2 copies. Notes, Research Materials
 
 
17
Doctors Are Brutes. Original TV story outline. 2 drafts. 1 note, 1 letter. See also: Private Nurse; No More Pills
 
 
18
Dona Maria, "A Romantic Comedy Drama."
  1922
 
19
A Double Fisted Dude. Western screen story. 1 draft by Larry Holt. 1 draft by Houston Branch. 2 copies. 1 incomplete draft
 
 
20
Duality, The Science of Dynamic Living. Published book. 2 copies
  1950
 
21
Duality, The Science of Dynamic Living. Notes and draft pages
 
 
22
Duality, The Science of Dynamic Living. Notes and Research materials
 
 
23
Dundonald. Suggestion for a Screenplay
  1955
 
4 drafts. Notes. Correspondence. 1 clipping. Script for "The Prudential Family Hour."
 
24
The Empire Builders or The Empire Builder. Novel synopsis/screen story. 2 drafts, 1 letter
  1926
 
25
Eighty Days. Original screen story. 2 drafts. Notes. 1 page research material
  1940?
 
26
End of the Line. Story line for "Damar of the Jungle" series. 3 drafts. Notes, 1 letter. Also titled: Lost River; Congo
 
 
27
The Enforcer. Notes and research materials
 
 
28
Every Day Was Christmas. Original Screen Story by Houston Branch and Eugenia Night. 4 drafts
  1947
 
29
Every Day Was Christmas. Screen story by Houston Branch and Eugenia Night. Incomplete drafts. Outline. 3 drafts. Notes. 1 letter. Also titled: Garden of the Gods
 
 
30
Face Valley. Romantic Comedy Synopsis
 
 
31
The Fall Guy. Original Story. 1 draft, notes
 
 
32
Feather in His Crown. Play. Synopsis. 2 complete copies, various incomplete copies; incomplete manuscripts
 
 
33
Feather in His Crown. Notes
 
 
34
Feather in His Crown. Research materials; correspondence
 
 
35
Feather in the Breeze. Manuscript by Doris I. Coppersmith. Screen story? [Branch pseudonym?]
 
 
36
Female Impersonator. Screen story
  1933
 
37
The Fergugon Girl. Original Screen story by William R. Lipman and Houston Branch
 
 
38
The Firefly. Play--Act one
 
 
39
Fishing Story. Suggested Story Outline
  January 18, 1932
 
40
Flamingo. Original screen story by Mary Raymond
 
 
5 1
The Flesh Trap. A Romance of Louisiana [Original screen story with sound effects]. Synopsis; 5 drafts; notes; research materials. Alternate title: Swamp Song
 
 
2
Flowers of Faith. "A Dramatic Legend of Texas." Suggestion for movie adaptation?
 
 
3
Follow Your Star. By Giselle Lawa. Screen story. 2 copies; one Line Continuity. Alternate title: Ave Maria
  1952
 
4
Follow Your Star. Manuscript of screenplay
 
 
5
Follow Your Star. Production #1950. Republic Productions. Treatment by Huston Branch, One Line Continuity
 
 
6
Follow Your Star. Shooting script. Screenplay by Houston Branch. 1952
 
 
7
Follow Your Star. Revised shooting script. Screenplay by Houston Branch and Gerald Geraghty
  1952
 
8
The Freeze Out. 3 act play for television
  1956
 
9
From the French (A satire on continental force) Play synopsis
  1930
 
10
Frontier Doctor Series. Production #5357. Story #7. Treatment
 
 
11
Full of Life. Scrrenplay by Earl Felton. Columbia Production #8076
  1952
 
12
Gang War. Play premise
 
 
13
The Garden of the Gods. Short play for television. 3 drafts
 
 
14
Gassing With the Gang. Promotional film script for "General Electric." Manuscript; notes; research materials; correspondence
 
 
15
General Robert E. Lee: An Unrecorded Incident of the War. Playlet
  1924
 
16
The Giftie's Power. Outline for a teleplay, notes. Alternate title: Giftie's Pawn?
 
 
17
The Girl From Rio. Adaptation. Alternate title: Devil's Paradise
 
 
18
The Goddess and the Gods. Original screen comedy
 
 
19
The Golden Voice. Original screenplay. Scenario. "Sold to Universal."
  1933
 
20
Great Lakes. Original story. 5 copies. Alternate title: Thunder Bay
 
 
21
Great Lakes. Original story. 2 copies; notes, research materials. Different story from Great Lakes in box 5, folder 20
 
 
22
Gutter in the Sky. Original screen story. 2 drafts
 
 
23
Gutter in the Sky. Screen Treatment
 
 
24
Gutter in the Sky. Outline for teleplay. 2 drafts, notes, research materials
  1956, 1957
 
25
Guerilla Road. Story for teleplay? 2 drafts; draft pages
 
 
26
Harbor Command. Television series. Outline for teleplay; notes, research materials, correspondence. Alternate title: China Basin
  1957
 
27
Harbor Police. Television series. Treatment, "Murder on the Waterfront." 2 drafts
  April 19, 1950; April 26, 1950
 
28
Hard Hit. Screen story. 2 drafts. Alternate title: A Newspaper Decision
 
 
29
The Heart's Place. Outline for teleplay. 4 complete drafts; 2 incomplete drafts; notes; research materials; correspondence
  1954
 
30
The Heifer. Shooting script. Play synopsis. 2 drafts. Mss. pages, notes, research materials. Alternate title: The Footlight Ranger
 
 
31
Hell on Wheels. Screen story. 3 drafts, notes, research material
 
 
32
Hero Legend. Screen story
 
 

Hitch Your Wagon
 
 
33
Honeymoon Cottage. Synopsis of 3 act comedy
 
 
6 1
Hurricane. Possible novel. 6 incomplete drafts; notes
 
 
2
The Iron Duck. Screen story. 2 drafts; notes
  1954
 
3
The Irridescent Lady. Synopsis of 3 act play
  1928
 
4
It's Later Than We Think. 3 act play
  1949
 
5
It's Later Than We Think. Incomplete draft; notes, research materials; correspondence
 
 
6
Jed Blaine's Woman. Treatment for Paramount Pictures
  1947
 
7
Juggernaut. Screen story
 
 
8
The Junk King. Character study. 2 drafts; outline; notes, research materials
 
 
9
Khyber Pass. Screen story. 3 incomplete drafts; notes, research materials
 
 
10
A Lady Came to Whiskey Bend. Screen story. 2 complete drafts. 4 incomplete drafts. Notes. Alternate titles: Buffalo Chip; Let 'Er Rip; A Lady Came To the River Bend.
 
 
11
Lady of Song. Operetta based on the music of Rossini and his contemporaries. Outline of the book. 2 drafts. 1957?
 
 
12
Lady of Song. Suggestions for a screen musical. 4 drafts
 
 
13
Lady of Song. Synopsis of scenes. 2 copies. Notes; research materials; correspondence
 
 
14
Lassie. Story Outlines, "The Black Goat," 2 drafts; "The Mud Hole," 2 copies; notes; correspondence. Production material from the Lassie Show
 
 
15
Law and Order. 3 act dramatic comedy
  1924
 
16
Law and Order. 3 act play. 3 copies; notes
 
 
17
Left Handed American. Screen story
 
 
18
The Life for Me. Original screen story
 
 
19
Life's a Laugh. Gambler story for the screen. Treatment. 3 drafts. Notes, 1 letter
  1929
 
20
The Lone Star. (A life story of Sam Houston). Notes
 
 
21
Los Angeles. Musical. Music by Franz Steininger. Book by Houston Branch. 4 incomplete drafts, various manuscript pages; notes; lyrics; research materials. Also titled: Queen of the West
 
 

Lost River
 
 
22
Lots of Action. Screen story
 
 
23
The Love Life of Ann Dawson. 3 act play. Working Synopsis. 3 drafts. Notes, research materials
  1933
 
24
Lumber Barony. Notes
 
 
25
Mail Boat. Original story
 
 
26
Man Enough For Millie. Frank Wisbar Productions #5308. Shooting Script. From a story by Wallace Umphrey
  1953
 
27
Man To Man. Republic Productions #1917. Shooting script
  1955
 
28
The Man Who Hated Murder. Screen story. 2 drafts
  1933
 
29
The Man Who Won the War. Screen story. Notes
 
 
30
A Man's World. Screen story. Summary. Incomplete draft of One Line Continuity. Notes
  1948
 
31
Maracaibo. 3 act play. Copyrighted under title "Wildcat" by the author
 
 
32
Marine Investigator. First of a radio series
 
 
2 copies. Notes; Research Materials.
 
33
The Matamoros Road. Outline for a teleplay
 
 
2 copies. Notes; Correspondence.
 
34
Men for Sale. Documentary. 3 drafts. Notes, research materials, correspondence
 
 
35
Mercenary. Original screen story
 
 
7 1
The Mind Reader. Story line-up
  1932
 
2
The Mission Play. Play by John Steven McGroatry. Suggestion for an adaptation by Houston Branch. Notes, research materials. Alternate title: The Mission Miracle
 
 

Mr. Wong in Morocco
 
 
3
The Mocking Bird. Screen story
 
 
2 drafts, notes.
 
4
A Modern Cavalier. Romantic comedy for an athletic star. 2 drafts. Alternate title: El Cid Jr.
  1930?
 
5
The Money Rider. Screen story. 2 copies. Western story. 2 drafts
 
 
6
Murder Tomorrow (3 act mystery drama)
 
 
7
Murder Tomorrow (3 act mystery drama)
 
 
8
Murder Tomorrow (3 act mystery drama)
 
 
9
Murder With Hi-Fi (Adventures of the Falcon). Federal Telefilms #221. Shooting script
  June 4, 1954
 
10
The Mysterious Melody. Radio serial by Houston Branch and Nacio Herb Brown
 
 
11
The News Buster. Original Western. Story outline. 2 drafts
 
 
12
Nietzsche Was Right. Short story?
 
 
13
No Margin for Error. Feasibility study-circa 1880. Teleplay outline. 2 drafts
 
 

No More Pills
 
 
14
Off Parade. Marital comedy. 2 drafts
  1919
 
15
The Old Craftsman. Series of furniture radio broadcasts. 2 drafts
 
 
16
The Old Freight Road. Outline for a teleplay. 1 complete draft, 1 incomplete draft
 
 
17
Overland Telegraph. Adaptation for screen
  1928
 
18
Own Your Own Home. Screen story by Al Boasberg and Houston Branch. Synopsis. 2 copies. Publicity notes. Notes; research materials
  1934
 
19
Mrs. Peabody of Boston. Incomplete play synopsis? Notes
 
 
20
Mrs. Peabody of Boston. Research materials
 
 
21
Mrs. Peabody of Boston. Research materials, correspondence
 
 
22
Peace Prize. 3 act play. Incomplete draft. Notes, research materials. 1 photo. Alternate titles: She Couldn't Say No;
 
 

Tail Wind
 
 

Peachie and His Lady
 
 
23
Pistols and Roses. 1 act radio play. 2 drafts; correspondence
 
 
24
The Pottery Pigs. Episode for "Captain Midnight" series. Radio story. 1 letter
 
 
25
Private Nurse. Original story. 2 drafts. Story line up. Various manuscript pages; notes
 
 
26
Private Nurse. Treatment by Houston Branch and Robert Tasker
  March 31, 1932
 
27
Prize Package. Anonymous novel. Rays of Darkness
 
 
28
River Lady. Original story by Niven Busch. Treatment, Twentieth Century Fox. 1940
 
 
29
Roughshod. Original screen story by Houston Branch and Forrest Stanley
 
 
30
The Royal Coach. Screen story. 1 letter
 
 
31
Rum Cay. Screen treatment. 2 drafts
  1955
 
32
Rum Cay. Screen treatment. Synopsis by Estelle Conde
  1955
 
33
Rum Cay. Various incomplete drafts
 
 
34
Rum Cay. Notes
 
 
35
Rum Cay. Research materials, correspondence
 
 
8 1
Safe in Hell. 3 act play. 2 drafts
 
 
2
Safe in Hell. 3 act play. 1 draft. Synopsis of 4 act opera. 1 draft. Notes; research materials
 
 
3
Salmon Pirates. Screen story."Sold to Columbia." Notes, research materials
  1938
 
4
San Francisco Bay. Film package. Screen treatment, notes; research materials; correspondence; 2 photographs
 
 
5
Scattergood Baines. Original story outline
 
 
6
The Sea Jest. Screen story
 
 
7
The Sell Out. Original screen story. 2 drafts
 
 
8
Shadows in Algiers. Original story written to fit the"Lone Wolf" character
 
 
9
The Shakedown. Screen story
 
 
10
Shenandoah. Notes
 
 
11
The Show Down."Detailed synopsis of story."
  1925
 
12
The Shrine. Outline for a teleplay. 3 copies. Synopsis. Notes, research materials
 
 
13
Sierra Baron. Reviews only. 1958
 
 
14
Sigrid. Treatment; Loose manuscript pages
 
 
15
Singapore. Original story. First Treatment. Synopsis. One Line Continuity; notes
  August 26, 1939
 
16
Singapore Salute. By Houston Branch and Wolfe Kaufman. 3 drafts. Various loose manuscript pages; notes. See also: Captain Typhoon. Alternate title: Peachie and His Lady
 
 
17
Smoky River. Original story outline. 2 incomplete drafts
 
 
18
A Song in the Dark. Musical romance of modern Louisiana. Story and lyrics by Houston Branch. Music by Charles Wakefield Cadman
  1957?
 
19
A Sonja Henie Story. 1 draft; notes; research materials. 1944. Alternate title: Hitch Your Wagon
 
 
20
Sparks. Incomplete draft; notes. Alternate title: Mail Boat (not the same story as in box 6, folder 25)
 
 
21
The Splendid Hour. Original musical romance by Houston Branch. Music by Charles Wakefield Cadman. 3 drafts
 
 
22
The Splendid Hour. 3 incomplete drafts (one handwritten); notes; song lyrics, research materials
 
 
23
The Splendid Hour. Sheet music."Heart to Heart Waltz."
 
 
24
The Splendid Hour. Correspondence (including correspondence with Charles Wakefield Cadman, J. J. Shubert)
  circa 1930-1937
 
25
Springing Stephen. 3 act comedy. 1 complete draft, 1 incomplete draft. See also: The Booby Prize; Come Live With Me
  1948
 
26
Standards (Working title). By Darryl Zanuck, Treatment by Houston Branch
  November 7, 1931
 
27
Stanford, Mrs. Leland. Notes, research materials; correspondence. Alternate title: Feather in Her Crown
 
 
28
Stanley Aladdin. A modern version of a very old tale. 2 drafts, notes
 
 
29
State Line. Original Screen story
 
 
30
The Straw Man. Screen story
 
 
31
The Stronger Law. By Raymond L. Shrak and Houston Branch
 
 
32
The Suicide Squadron. Screen story, notes
 
 
33
The Swamp Song: Musical romance of Louisiana By Charles Wakefield Cadman and Houston Branch. Music by Charles Wakefield Cadman. [lyrics only, no sheet music included]. 1 draft, notes, song lyrics, research materials
 
 
9 1
Taffy. Screen story. 3 drafts, notes, research materials
 
 
2
The Texas Panhandle. 1 complete draft; 1 incomplete draft; notes
 
 
3
Texas' Tail. Teleplay outline written for"Death Valley Days."
 
 
4
Texas Rose. Screenplay outline. 4 drafts; One Line Continuity; notes, 1 letter
 
 
5
The Texans Are Coming. By Houston Branch and Norman Foster. 1 draft; loose manuscript pages; notes. Alternate title: The Badlands
 
 
6
There Were Two Friends. Outline for a Teleplay. 3 drafts; loose manuscript pages; notes. 1 draft titled"With Malice Toward None" by Niven Busch (possible pseudonym for Houston Branch). Alternate titles: Piclett Story; With Malice Toward None
 
 
7
They Called Her Springtime. Outline of an episode for "The Californians." 3 complete drafts; 1 incomplete draft, loose manuscript pages, notes
  1958
 
8
Thru the Years. Drama of love. 2 drafts; notes; research materials. Alternate title: The Portrait
  1926, 1927
 
9
Tiger Shark. Shooting script
  1932
 
10
Tiger Shark. Detailed treatment (titled: Tuna)
  1932
 
11
Timber Cruiser
 
 
Story outline for radio, 1 clipping.
 
12
Time in the Dark. 3 act play. 1 complete draft, 1 incomplete draft. Alternate title: Time Running Out
  1937
 

Time to Kill
 
 
13
The Tipster. An Allied Artists Production Treatment
 
 
14
The Trouble Shooter. Story outline; notes
 
 
15
True to the Fleet
 
 
16
Twelve Hundred Laughing Gods. Television treatment for "Follow the Sun". See also: The Border Beat; 12, 000 Laughing Gods
 
 
17
12, 000 Laughing Gods. Television treatment for "77 Sunset Strip." See also: The Border Beat; Twelve Hundred Laughing Gods
 
 
18
Two For One. Screenplay by Houston Branch and Joseph Moncure. Alternate title: Dames are Poison
  March 1934
 
19
Two For One. Screenplay by Houston Branch Treatment. 2 drafts
  1934
 
20
The Vibrating King. Tale of the Antilles. Short story
 
 
21
Victory Day. Original story, notes, research materials. See also: Armistice Day [Based on Branch's previous work titled Armistice Day]
 
 
22
Vienna Express. Synopsis. 1 complete draft, various incomplete drafts; notes
 
 
23
Voodoo. 3 act opera. Outline
 
 
24
Wagon Train. Untitled episode. Various loose manuscript pages
 
 
25
Water Rights. Screen story
 
 
26
Welcome Party. Proposed radio show and San Diego Pageant. Notes
 
 
27
Welcome Party. Misc. materials relating to payment
 
 
28
Wetback Story. Teleplay outline for: "Wire Service" 1 complete draft, 1 incomplete draft; notes
 
 
29
When Love Calls. (Working title)
  1930
 
30
While the Earth Remains. By Houston Branch and Frank Waters. Synopsis, complete draft
 
 
31
Whip Hand. By Houston Branch and Eugenia Night. Screen story; screen treatment; incomplete synopsis
 
 
32
The White Express. Screen story; notes
  1937
 
33
White Women. Novel
 
 
34
White Women. Synopsis of Branch's novel by Betty Masefield. Synopsis of 3 act play. 1 complete draft; 1 incomplete draft. Notes, various loose manuscript pages; research materials; correspondence
 
 
10 1
Who'll Give the Bride Away. Synopsis; notes; research materials. Alternate title: Secret Ship
 
 

Winter Thaw
 
 
2
Without the Loss of a Single Spar. Treatment for a novel
 
 
3
Without the Loss of a Single Spar. Summary; notes, research materials, correspondence
  1946
 
4
Words Shall Have Wings. Story of Samuel F. B. Morse. 4 copies. Notes, correspondence
  1937
 
5
You Were Mine. Adapted from Fruehlings Flut by Rolf Thorwaldsen. Screenplay
 
 
6
The Young in Years. 7 copies. Notes; various loose mss pages; research materials
 
 
11 1
Production #1956, Republic Productions. Untitled treatment, "Evita Peron Story."
  1952
 
2
Production #1987, Republic Productions. Untitled treatment; notes
 
 
3
Productions #1987, Republic Productions Untitled treatment
  1956
 
4
Untitled original story for Fields-Conklin
 

 

Public Relations

 
Container(s)
Description
Dates
 
box
11
folder
5

American Landmarks Association
  circa 1961-1965
 
6
American Library Foundation. Includes copies of original letters signed by Albert Einstein, Edna Ferber, and Carl Sandburg (originals removed to Safe #31)
  circa 1938-1957
 
7
"Cetacean" Submarine. Misc
 
 
8
"Cetacean" Submarine. Correspondence. See also: The Black Pearl (includes copy of original letter signed by Prince Rainier of Monaco; original removed to safe)
  circa 1955-1959
 
9
"Cetacean" Submarine. Correspondence with R. G. Wolff
  1958-1959
 
12 1
Houston Branch Associates. General
  circa 1956-1962
 
2
Houston Branch Associates. Cuban Promotion
  1958
 
3
Houston Branch Associates. Submissions, presentations
 
 
4
Houston Branch Associates. Triton Pictures
  circa 1955-1957
 
5
Houston Branch Associates. Tucker Sno-Cat
  1956
 
6
Houston Branch Associates. Topeka Promotion
  circa 1954-1956
 
7
Cadman, Charles Wakefield correspondence [includes sheet music and music manuscripts]
 
 
8
Miscellaneous