Skip to main content
Skip to Search & Browse Collection Listing

John D. Hess papers

 Collection
Identifier: ML-103
ML-103

  • Staff Only

Description

The papers of John David Hess consist of screenplays, manuscripts of plays and other writings, radio scripts, correspondence, clippings, articles, class materials, and film and television production materials documenting Hess’ career as a radio and television writer and producer, as well as a playwright and movie writer. Material related to his time as an undergraduate at Dartmouth College and as a student at the Yale School of Drama, including the plays he wrote at that time are also included. The collection also includes many scripts written by Hess including “Love of Life,” one of the earliest soap operas, “Lew Loyal,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” The Grey-Eyed People,” and “The Young Marrieds.” Of not is the material related to his involvement and co-writing of the script for the television show “M.A.S.H.” including a note from Larry Gebhard at 20th Century Fox outlining the major characters. Personal items and memorabilia as well as correspondence with his first wife Jane (Vosper) Hess while serving with the 743rd Tank Battalion during World War II and the book "Move Out, Verify -- The Combat Story of the 743rd Tank Battalion” which he wrote can also be found in this collection. The addendum includes family and personal correspondence as well as typescripts of short stories and scripts. Correspondents include his second wife Jane Hess, his brother Carl Hess, his-sister-in law Julie Hess, his parents Jack and Olga Greenhill, Phyllis Dobson, Mike Ellis, Joan and Tom Braden and Alec Guiness. Of note is his correspondence while at Dartmouth College and while serving in the US Army during World War II.

Dates

  • 1935 - 2001

Creator

Conditions Governing Use

These materials may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.).

Extent

72.5 linear ft. (47 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

John David Hess (1918-2004), screenwriter. Dartmouth College Class of 1939. The collection consists of scripts, screenplays, correspondence, and personal memorabilia documenting his career as a writer for radio, television, magazines, screen, and the stage. Academic papers and plays, written while at Dartmouth, as well as family and personal correspondence are also included. Correspondents include his first wife Jane Vosper Hess, his second wife Jane Hess, his brother Carl Hess, his-sister-in law Julie Hess, his parents Jack and Olga Greenhill, Phyllis Dobson, Mike Ellis, Joan and Tom Braden and Alec Guiness.

Part of the Rauner Library Archives and Manuscripts Repository

Contact:
6065 Webster Hall
Hanover NH 03755 USA

Back to top