William Lava papers, 1942-1970

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Lava, William, 1911-1971.
Title
William Lava papers
Dates
1942-1970 (inclusive)
Quantity
42.76 cubic ft. (67 boxes) + 6.58 GB
Collection Number
03215
Summary
The William Lava papers contain music scores for feature films, short films, and TV series, as well as music-related documents, such as music cue sheets and orchestra lists, and recordings of Lava's music.
Repository
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

William Lava (1911-1971) worked as a composer and conductor of music for film and television. He began working for Republic Studios in 1937 and joined Warner Bros. in 1940. He later worked with Walt Disney and other studios. He composed music for many feature films, short films, animated films, and television series.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The William Lava papers contain music scores for films such as "The Battle of Britain," "Francis in the Navy," "Highway 301," "The Horn Blows at Midnight," and "To Hell and Back." Also included are music scores for TV series such as "Cheyenne," "F Troop," "77 Sunset Strip," and "Zorro," as well as scores for numerous documentaries, propaganda films, war-training films, comedy shorts (including the "Joe McDoakes" series), travel shorts, and animated shorts - the latter include "Looney Tunes," "Merry Melodies," and "The Pink Panther." There are also music-related documents, such as music cue sheets and orchestra lists, recordings of Lava's music, and a recording of an interview with Lava, as well as correspondence and clippings. In the container list below, listings of films and TV series with entries in the Internet Movie Database include hyperlinks to those entries.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Restrictions on Use

Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in Collections

The American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.

Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event. Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form. For more information, read our full statement.

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Related Materials

There are no known other archival collections created by William Lava as of the date of processing.

Acquisition Information

The American Heritage Center received most of the materials in this collection in 1972. Digital recordings of Lava's music were donated by David Schecter of Monstrous Movie Music in 2019.

Processing Note

The collection was processed by Roger Simon from December 2022-March 2023.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I. Music ScoresReturn to Top

Container(s) Description
Box
A
Box
1
Academy Awards Program - 19th Annual
Includes a clipping about the awards show that mentions Lava, as well as a copy of a contract licensing Lava to perform music composed by him for the 20th Annual Academy Awards Program (1948).
1946-1948
1 undated
1 undated
1
Adolph’s Tenderizer Commercial TV Spots (photocopies)
undated
1
“Ain’t Rio Grand?”
undated
1 1953, undated
1
“Alpine Champions”
undated
1 undated
1
“America the Beautiful”
Originally included two phonograph records (see below) of the score.
undated
1
“Anniversary Title”
undated
1
Another Strong TV Series Theme
undated
Army Training Films
Box
1
“Camouflage Principles”
undated
1
“Concealment of Vehicles”
undated
2
“Individual Concealment”
undated
2 undated
undated
Box
2
undated
2
Includes attached music cue sheets (photocopies).
1967 (photocopies)
B
Box
2 undated
2 undated
2
“Barcelona” by Lava and William Hendricks
undated
3 undated
3
“The Battle Against/of Shop #13”
undated
3 undated
3 undated
3 1959
3 undated
3 undated
3 undated
3 undated
3 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4
“Birthplace of Hockey”
undated
4 undated
4 1954, undated
Box
4
Season 5 - Episode 28 - "A Pink Cloud Comes From Old Cathay"
undated
Season 6
undated
Box
4 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4 undated
4
Assorted
undated
5 1953
5
“Born for Trouble” – trailer
undated
5 undated
5
“The 'Break'”
undated
5 undated
5 undated
5 undated
5 undated
5 undated
C
Box
5 undated
5 undated
6 undated
6 undated
6 undated
6 undated
6
“Chamber of Horrors”
One folder includes attached music cue sheets (photocopies). According to the Wikipedia entry on the film, it was “originally shot as a television movie and a pilot film for a proposed series called ‘House of Wax.’ It was released theatrically because it was considered too intense for television at the time.”
1966
7
“Chamber of Horrors”
Includes one folder labeled "Not used in picture." According to the Wikipedia entry on the film, it was “originally shot as a television movie and a pilot film for a proposed series called ‘House of Wax.’ It was released theatrically because it was considered too intense for television at the time.”
1966
7
“Champions of Tomorrow”
undated
7 undated
7
Cheerios Commercial TV Spots – “Gladiator Sam,” Stagecoach,” and “Sir Samelot”
undated
"Cheyenne"
Box
Season 1
undated
Box
7 1955
8 1955
8 1955
8 1955, undated
8 1955
8 undated
8 undated
8 undated
9 undated
9 undated
Season 2
undated
Box
9 undated
9 1956
9 1956
9 1956
9 undated
9 1956
10 1956
10 1956
10 1956
10 1956
10 1956
10 1957
11 1957
11 1957
11 1957
11 undated
11 undated
11
Episode 18 – “The Spanish Grant”
“Arranger – C. Maxwell and Prince M. Heindorf.”
1957
11
Episode 19 – “Hard Bargain”
“Arrangers – Sir Charles Maxwell and Senor M. Heindorf.”
1957
12
Episode 20 – “The Broken Pledge”
“Arrangers – Lord Charles Maxwell and Prince Mike Heindorf.”
1957
12
Season 3, Episode 7 – “Hired Gun”
“Arrangers – C. Maxwell and M. Heindorf.”
1957
12
Season 7, Episode 9 – “The Vanishing Breed”
undated
12
“Cheyenne” Theme
Includes ninety-one copies of sheet music, each with Lava’s signature on the cover.
1956, undated
12
Credits – End Title
undated
12 undated
12
"Chubasco"
Includes music scores (photocopies) with attached music cue sheets (photocopies), as well as a “regular orchestra list” for a recording session, music notes, and two Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., office memos regarding recording sessions.
1966-1967, undated
13 undated
13 undated
13 undated
13
“Combat Patrol”
undated
14 undated
14 undated
14
“The Courageous Dr. Christian”
Includes a photograph of actor Jean Hersholt, the star of “The Courageous Dr. Christian,” inscribed to Lava.
1940, undated
14 undated
14 undated
14 undated
D
Box
14 undated
"The Dakotas"
undated
Box
Season 1
Box
14 undated
14 undated
14 undated
14
Stet Opening and Writer/Director Card
undated
14
“Dancing Poodle”
Described as an "instrumental novelty."
undated
15 1949
15 undated
15 undated
15
“Dark Passage” – trailer
undated
15 undated
15
“Daylight Reconnaissance Patrol”
undated
15 1957
15 undated
15 undated
16 undated
16
“Divide and Conquer”
Lava is credited with the music for two short films with this title – one from 1942 and one from 1943.
undated
16
“Documentary Theme”
undated
16 undated
16 undated
16 undated
16 undated
16
“Drums of India” ("Song of India")
undated
E
Box
16
“Eagles of the Navy”
undated
16
“The Echo of Love” by Lava and Jerry Tobias
undated
16
“Embraceable You”
Includes the following handwritten note from Lava: “Thru-out the music score of this film, there are many interpolations of the song “Embraceable You” – the music by George Gershwin. Although these are not identified in my original sketches, they are nevertheless properly noted and accredited to George Gershwin in the music cue sheets, which are a part of the exhibition requirements for this film. (As for any film.)”
undated
17 undated
17 undated
17
“Epic March”
undated
17 undated
17
“Every Dog Has His Day”
undated
17
“Everything’s a No-No”/“You’re Just a Tax Loophole/Sex Dropout/Love Holdout”
undated
F
Box
17
“Fanfare” – No. #000, No. #001
undated
17 undated
17 undated
18 undated
18 undated
18 undated
18 undated
18 undated
18 1954, undated
19 undated
19 undated
19 undated
19
"Foolish Me" by Lava and Jack Scholl
undated
19
"Forsooth"
Includes a photocopy of handwritten lyrics.
undated
19 1955
"F Troop"
Box
Season 1
Box
19
Episode 1 – “Scourge of the West” (Pilot)
One folder includes a typewritten list of “random notes”; another is labeled "Pilot Revised."
undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20 undated
20
Episode 33 – “The Day the Indians Won”
Includes a typewritten list of track times and reels.
1966, undated
20 undated
21 undated
21 undated
undated
Season 2
Box
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21 undated
21
"F Troop Theme"
undated
21
Assorted
undated
21 undated
G
Box
22
“The Gallant Men – season 1, episode 20 – “Operation Secret” ("Operation Avalanche")
undated
22 undated
22 undated
22
“Ghosts of Berchtesgaden”
undated
22
"The Girl in the Plain Cotton Dress" by Lava and Bob Jackman (photocopy)
undated
22 undated
22 undated
22
“The Glass Menagerie” – teaser trailer
undated
22
“G-Men” – trailer
undated
22 undated
22
“The Good Guys and the Bad Guys”
One folder includes an Orchestra List and lyrics by Ned Washington for “The Ballad of Marshal Flagg.”
undated
23 undated
23 undated
23 undated
23 undated
23 undated
24 undated
24 undated
24 undated
24
“Guard Duty”
undated
H
Box
24 undated
24 undated
24 undated
24 undated
24 undated
24 undated
24 undated
24
“Heroes” (Army short)
undated
25 undated
25 undated
25 undated
25
“Hi-Hippa-Hi”
undated
25 undated
25 undated
26 1948
26 undated
26 undated
I
Box
26 undated
26
“Imagine Imogene”
One folder includes typewritten lyrics; another includes a description of a "premise for a TV series," "suggested type casting," and "a few representative situations, which with the proper development, should reveal the provocative possibilities of our girl's day-to-day adventures," as well as photocopies of handwritten notes and drawings.
undated
26
“I’m Gonna Take You Home To-Nite to Meet the Family - Fox Trot” by L. Wolfe Gilbert and Felix Bernard (partial cover only)
“A ‘Bill Lava’ Arrangement.”
undated
61
“In Enemy Country” (photocopies)
Includes attached music cue sheets and a list titled "Timing Sketch Data."
1967
26
“In 1492”
undated
26 undated
Box
27 undated
27
27 undated
27 undated
"The Islanders"
undated
Box
Season 1
undated
Box
27 1960, undated
27 1960, undated
27
Prod. # 1031
Includes a list titled “Instrumental Break-Down of Musical Numbers.”
1960, undated
27
“Shipwreck Serenade”
1960
28 undated
28 undated
28
“It Just Dawned on Me” by Lava and Harry Tobias
undated
28 undated
28 undated
28 undated
28 undated
28
“Iz Nisht Far Mir”
Labeled a “Hebrew melody.”
undated
J
Box
62
"Jamboree"
According to the American Film Institute Catalog entry for this documentary about the Boy Scouts, "The State Department's Overseas Information Service intended to distribute the film internationally as a testimonial on behalf of democracy and against Communism."
1953, undated
63
"Jamboree"
One folder includes handwritten notes and editor’s continuity notes. According to the American Film Institute Catalog entry for this documentary about the Boy Scouts, "The State Department's Overseas Information Service intended to distribute the film internationally as a testimonial on behalf of democracy and against Communism."
1953, undated
Box
28 undated
28 undated
28 undated
28 undated
28 undated
28 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
29 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
30 undated
31 undated
31 undated
31 undated
31 undated
31 undated
31 undated
31 undated
31 undated
31 undated
31 undated
31 1954
31
“Jonah”
undated
31 undated
31 undated
31 undated
31
“The Junkman”
Includes a sheet of typewritten lyrics.
undated
31 undated
32 undated
K
Box
32 undated
32
"Kennedy"
undated
32 undated
32 undated
32 undated
32 undated
L
Box
32 undated
32 undated
32
“Latin Serenade”
undated
32 undated
33
“Learn and Live”
undated
33
“Let’s Finish the Job Together”
undated
33 undated
33
“The Little Green Man”
undated
33 undated
33 1955
undated
Box
33
“The Astroduck” (photocopies)
undated
33
“Bugged by a Bee” (photocopies)
undated
33
“Bunny and Claude: We Rob Carrot Patches” (photocopies)
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
33
“Chili Corn Corny” (photocopies)
undated
33
“Cool Cat” (photocopies)
undated
33
“Daffy Rents” (photocopies)
undated
33 undated
33
“Fiesta Fiasco” (photocopies)
undated
33
“Fistic Mystic” (photocopies)
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
33
“Flying Circus” (photocopies)
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
33
“Hippydrome Tiger” (photocopies)
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
33
“Hocus Pocus Powwow” (photocopies)
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
33 undated
34
“Moby Duck” (photocopies)
undated
34 undated
34 undated
34
“See Ya Later Gladiator”
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
34 undated
61
“Skyscraper Caper” (photocopies)
undated
34
“The Spy Swatter” (photocopies)
undated
34
“Suppressed Duck” (photocopies)
undated
34
“Tease for Two” (photocopies)
undated
61
“3 Ring Wing-Ding” (photocopies)
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
34
“Well Worn Daffy” (photocopies)
undated
34
Speedy Gonzales (photocopies)
undated
34 undated
M
Box
34 1953
34 undated
34
“The Man from Bitter Ridge” ("Justice Comes to Tomahawk")
The score is titled Justice Comes to Tomahawk, the name of the novel, by William MacLeod Raine, on which the film is based.
undated
35 undated
61
“Man with a Thousand Hands”
An International Harvester documentary film. Includes a script for the narration of the film.
1952-1953, undated
35
Martin Block – trailer
undated
35 undated
35 undated
undated
Box
35 undated
63
“Big Game Haunt” (photocopies)
undated
35
“Cats and Bruises” ("Catch as Cats Can") (photocopies)
undated
63
“Chimp & Zee” (photocopies)
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
35
“Corn on the Cop” (photocopies)
undated
35 undated
63
“Feud with a Dude” (photocopies)
undated
35
“Go Away Stowaway” (photocopies)
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
35
“Go Go Amigo” (photocopies)
undated
35 undated
35
“Injun Trouble” (photocopies)
undated
35 undated
35 undated
63 undated
35
“The Music Mice-Tro” (photocopies)
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
35 undated
36
“Rushing Roulette” (photocopies)
undated
36
“Shamrock and Roll”
Includes photocopies of storyboards.
undated
36 undated
36
“The Wild Chase” ("The Great Chase") (photocopies)
undated
34
Speedy Gonzales (photocopies)
undated
36
Message Center” (Army short)
undated
36
“Methods of Teaching”
undated
36 undated
36
Moderate Rock/Moderate Bounce
undated
36 undated
36
“Moochie of the Little League: Wrong Way Moochie” – “The Magical World of Disney”
undated
64
“Moonrise Suite”
undated
36 undated
36 undated
36 undated
37 undated
37 undated
N
Box
37 undated
37
“The Neighbor Next Door” ("Our Neighbor Next Door")
undated
37 undated
37
“No Time for Sergeants” - Season 1 - Prod. # 8109
undated
37 undated
37 undated
O
Box
37
“Off to the Races”
Includes one script page of narration.
undated
38
“Okay for Pictures”
undated
38 undated
38 undated
38
“Ol’ Hacksaw”
undated
38 undated
38
“On Stream”
Described as a “Mobil Oil Socony-Vacuum documentary feature.” Originally included a reel-to-reel tape (see below) of “The Flying Red Horse Suite,” from the film.
undated
38 undated
39 undated
39 undated
P
Box
39 undated
39 undated
39 undated
64 undated
39 1956, undated
39
“Pillow to Post” (“Pillar to Post”)
undated
Box
40
“Bully for Pink” (photocopies)
1965
40
“Dial P for Pink” (photocopies)
undated
40
“An Ounce of Pink” (photocopies)
undated
40
“Pickled Pink” (photocopies)
undated
40
“Pinkfinger” (photocopies)
undated
40
“Pink Ice” (photocopies)
undated
40
“Pink Pajamas” (photocopies)
undated
40
“Pink Panzer” (photocopies)
undated
40
“The Pink Phink” (photocopies)
undated
40
“Pink Punch” (photocopies)
undated
40 undated
40
“Reel Pink” (photocopies)
undated
40
“Shocking Pink” (photocopies)
undated
40
“Sink Pink” (photocopies)
undated
40
“Vitamin Pink” (photocopies)
1966
40 undated
40
"The Pink Panther" - Main Title by Henry Mancini
undated
40 undated
Plymouth/Road Runner TV Spots
Box
40
“Cardboard Car”
Includes handwritten notes and photocopies of storyboards.
undated
40
“Coming Thru”
undated
40
Point Rationing Short
undated
41 undated
41 undated
41 1955, undated
41 undated
41 undated
R
Box
41
“Racing Thrills”
undated
41
“Ramblin’ Amblin’ Cowboy” by Lava and Bob Jackman
Possibly from "Cheyenne."
1957
42 undated
64 undated
42
“Relativo in Naples”
undated
42 undated
42 undated
42 1954, undated
43
“The Right Timing” ("The Real Timing")
undated
43 undated
43 undated
43 undated
43 undated
43 undated
43
“Runaway Lawnmower”/“The Gardener’s Apprentice”/"'Epic' Theme # 3"
undated
43
“Run Rabbit” (photocopies)
undated
S
Box
43 undated
43 1954
43 undated
43 undated
43
“The Secret of the Silent Hills” – “Lassie” (sheet music - photocopy)
1955
43 undated
“77 Sunset Strip”
Box
43 undated
43 undated
44
Prod. # 27957
undated
44
Prod. # 27958
undated
44 undated
44 undated
44 undated
44 undated
44
“Sight Security”
undated
44 undated
44
“Simple Song”
undated
44
“Simple Spanish Folk Song”
undated
44
“Sky Sailing”
undated
44
“Slap-Happy”
undated
45 undated
45 undated
45
“Smoke Signal”
Includes “Main Title” by Frank Skinner.
undated
45 undated
45
“Snoopers” (Navy short)
undated
45 undated
45 undated
45 undated
45 undated
45 undated
45 undated
45
“South Sea Paradise”
undated
46 undated
46 undated
46
"Sports Old and New” (“Cavalcade of Egyptian Sports”)
undated
46 undated
46
“Stage Fright” – trailer
undated
46 undated
46 undated
46 undated
46 undated
46 undated
47 undated
47
“Stranger”
undated
47
“Sudden Love Waltz”
undated
47
“Sugarfoot” – trailer
undated
47 undated
Box
47
“The Matzorileys’ Song” (photocopies)
Includes sheets of lyrics (photocopies) by Irving Taylor.
undated
47
“Super (Bwoing!)”
Includes a sheet of typewritten lyrics by John W. Dunn with handwritten notes.
1965, undated
47
“The Super-Hero Song” (photocopies)
undated
47
“Super 6 Theme Song” (photocopies)
Includes sheets of lyrics (photocopies) by John W. Dunn.
undated
65
Assorted (photocopies)
One folder includes a photocopy of a list titled “DFE [DePatie-Freleng Enterprises] Music Library for Super-Six TV Show.”
undated
"The Swamp Fox" – "The Magical World of Disney”
Box
47 undated
47 undated
47 undated
47
“Sweeney Steps Out”
undated
47
“Sweet Sandy”
undated
47
“Swinging into Step”
undated
T
Box
47 1954, undated
48 undated
48 undated
48 undated
48 undated
48 1954
48 undated
48
“That’s Life” – “The Alan Young Show”
Includes music cue sheets and a note saying that acetate playback discs are included (see below).
undated
48 undated
48 undated
48 undated
49
“This Sporting World”
undated
49
“To Bee or Not to Bee”
undated
49 undated
49 1955, undated
49 undated
49
“Town Patrolling”
undated
49
"Toys for Tots Parade"
Music by Lava; lyrics by William Hendricks. Includes U.S. Marine Corps correspondence (photocopies), a photocopy of a letter from Lava and Hendricks granting the Marine Corps permission to reproduce the music, and a royalty agreement for the music.
1968, undated
49
Traditional Cowboy Song (photocopies)
undated
49 undated
49 undated
49 undated
U
Box
49
“Under Those Wings”
undated
50 undated
50
“The Unsuspected” – teaser trailer
undated
64 undated
W
Box
50
Walking Theme
undated
50 1956
50 undated
50 1953
50
“War Dogs”
undated
50
Warner Bros. Emblems
undated
50
"Warner Brothers Presents" - "Behind the Cameras" – “Blood Alley”
undated
50 undated
50
“Warner’s Screen Magazine”
undated
50 undated
51 undated
51
“Wendy and Me” Season 1 – Prod. # 8068
undated
51 1943
51 undated
51
“The Wetback Hound”
Includes music breakdown sheets.
undated
51
“Where is My Little Dog Gone”/“If All the World Were Paper”
Includes a handwritten instrument list on the back.
undated
51 undated
51
“Who Else Could I Love?” - words by Edward Heyman
undated
51 undated
51 undated
51 undated
51 undated
51
“Wish You Were Here”
1950
52 undated
52 undated
52 undated
52
“Women’s March”
undated
52 undated
Y
Box
52 undated
52 1953
52 undated
Box
Season 1
Box
52 undated
53 undated
53 undated
53 undated
53 undated
53 undated
53 undated
53 undated
53 undated
53 undated
53 undated
53 undated
54 undated
54 undated
54 undated
54 undated
54 undated
54 undated
54 undated
54 undated
54 undated
54 undated
55 undated
55 undated
55 undated
55 undated
55 undated
55 undated
55 undated
55 undated
55 undated
56
Episode 32 – “The Cross of the Andes” (“Mordante the Executioner”)
undated
56 undated
56 undated
56 undated
56 undated
56 undated
56 undated
56 undated
57
Sketch Copies – Episodes 1-13
undated
Season 2
Box
57 undated
57 undated
57 undated
57 undated
57 undated
57 undated
58 undated
58 undated
58 undated
58 undated
58 undated
58 undated
58 undated
58
Unidentified
undated

Series II. Music-Related DocumentsReturn to Top

Container(s) Description
Box
Instrument Breakdown Sheets - "F Troop"
Box
58
Season 1 – Episodes 1-9, 11-13, and 16
1966
58
Library
1966
58
Library Cues - "Yhe Super 6" (photocopies)
1966, undated
Music Cue Sheets
undated
Box
58
"Assignment to Kill"
Includes music notes.
1969
58 undated
59
“Flim Flam Man”(photocopies)
1969
59 1969
59
“The Littlest Outlaw”
The music cue sheets for the feature film and the edited version of the feature film, which aired on "The Magical World of Disney" as part 1 and part 2.
1958, undated
59
“Moochie of the Little League” – “The Magical World of Disney”
1959
59 undated
59
"Real George"
Includes handwritten notes.
undated
59
“Rusty and the Falcon” – “The Magical World of Disney”
1958
59
“The Story of the Silly Symphony” – “The Magical World of Disney”
1959
59 1957-1958
59 1958-1959
Orchestra Lists and Recording Sessions
Box
59
“Assignment to Kill” – Warner Bros. memo regarding recording sessions
1967
59
“Blood of Dracula” – Orchestra List
undated
59
“Brimstone, the Amish Horse” – Recording Session and Orchestra List
1968
59
Cartoon Recording Sessions - Orchestra Lists
1969, undated
59
“The Flim Flam Man” - Orchestra List
1969
59
"F Troop" - Orchestra List (photocopy)
Includes "cover sheets" for four episodes of the series and two Warner Bros. memos regarding recording sessions for the same four episodes.
1967
59
“The Good Guys and the Bad Guys” – Recording Sessions
Includes Warner Bros. memos.
1969
59
“In Enemy Country” – Orchestra List (photocopy)
1967
59
Kennedy Documentary – Orchestra List
undated
Lays Potato Chips TV commercial - Warner Bros. memo regarding recording session
1969
59
“Norman Normal” – Recording Session and Orchestra List
Includes a Warner Bros. memo.
1967
59
"Pink Panther" Cartoons – Orchestra List
undated
59
Plymouth/Road Runner TV Spot – Orchestra List
1970
59
Warner Bros. cartoons - memos regarding recording sessions
Includes a Studio Orchestra Manager’s Report.
1967-1969
Assorted
Box
59
Assignment of Rights – Lava and Vanguard Films, Inc. – “Since You Went Away” (photocopy)
undated
59
Film Footage Table
undated
59
Handwritten Lists and Notes
undated
59
Metronome – Click Conversion Chart
undated
59
“Pancho’s Hideaway” – Notification regarding Music Licenses
undated

Series III. RecordingsReturn to Top

Container(s) Description
Box
66
Interview - Lava with Paul Condylis – KABC Radio (reel-to-reel tape)
Condylis was in an episode of the TV series “O’Hara, U/S. Treasury,” for which Lava wrote music.
undated
Music
Box
67
“America the Beautiful” (two phonograph records)
The phonograph records orginally accompanied the score (see above).
undated
undated
Box
66
Reel 1 – Opening Prelude/M.T. (reel-to-reel tape)
undated
66
Reel 2 (reel-to-reel tape)
undated
66
Source Music and Theme (reel-to-reel tape)
Track List: (1) “Slow Rock n’ Roll”; (2) “Slow Rock n’ Roll” (A); (3) “Polka”; (4) “Hot Rock n’ Roll”; (5) “I Should Have Known”; and (6) “I Should Have Known” (Bassa Nova). The reel-to-reel tape includes a note with notations about the tracks.
undated
67
Source Music and Theme (phonograph record)
Track List: (1) “Slow Rock n’ Roll”; (2) “Slow Rock n’ Roll” (A); (3) “Polka”; (4) “Hot Rock n’ Roll”; (5) “I Should Have Known”; and (6) “I Should Have Known” (Bassa Nova). The reel-to-reel tape includes a note with notations about the tracks.
undated
digital ahcdm_03215_001
Digital tracks (received on DVD-R)
2014
Box
Box
66
Reel-to-reel tape
Track List: “Assignment to Kill” – (1) Ballad; (2) Bassa Nova. “Chubasco” – (3) Main Title; (4) R6-Pt. 4; (5) R3-Pt. 5; (6) “If It’s Love”; and (7) “End Title.”
undated
67
Phonograph record (two copies)
Track List: “Assignment to Kill” – (1) Ballad; (2) Bassa Nova. “Chubasco” – (3) Main Title; (4) R6-Pt. 4; (5) R3-Pt. 5; (6) “If It’s Love”; and (7) “End Title.”
undated
digital ahcdm_03215_001
Digital tracks (received on DVD-R)
2014
Box
67 undated
66
“Chamber of Horrors”/“The Waltz”(reel-to-reel tape)
undated
undated
Box
66
Reel 1 (reel-to-reel tape)
Track List: R-1, Pt-2 through R-5, Pt-1.
undated
66
Reel 2 (reel-to-reel tape)
Track List: R-5, Pt-2 through R-9, Pt-3.
undated
66
Reel 3 (reel-to-reel tape)
Track List: R-10, Pt-1 through R-11, Pt-X – Source Music Tracks and Demo of “If It’s Love.” Lyrics for “If It’s Love” by Gordon Jenkins.
undated
67
Score music in order (phonograph record)
Side 1 Track List: R-1, Pt-2 thru R-4, Pt-1. Side 2 Track List: R-4, Pt-2 thru R-6, Pt-3 (El. Gtr.)
undated
67
Untitled (phonograph record)
Track List: (1) Ensa Nada Copper Band; (2) Come Strip with Me; (3) Main Title; and (4) End Title.
undated
digital ahcdm_03215_001
Digital tracks (received on DVD-R)
2014
Box
67
“The Courageous Dr. Christian” – Parts 1 and 2 (phonograph record)
undated
“The Crooked Way”
Box
67
Parts 1 and 2 (phonograph record)
1949
67
Parts 3 and 4 (phonograph record)
undated
undated
Box
67
C-13, C-15 (phonograph record)
undated
67
C-17, C-13 (phonograph record)
undated
67
C-24, C-16, C-18 (phonograph record)
undated
67
“Dead Farms” (Just for Effect)/“Energy of Men” (phonograph record)
undated
66
“The Flying Red Horse Suite” (reel-to-reel tape)
Originally accompanied the score for "On Stream" (see above).
undated
67
“The Fox” – Parts 1 and 2 (phonograph record)
undated
66
“F Troop” Themes (reel-to-reel tape)
Track List: (1) Main Title; (2) End Title; (3) End Credits; and (4) Rock Version.
undated
undated
Box
66
Reel 1 (reel-to-reel tape)
undated
66
Reel 2 (reel-to-reel tape)
undated
66
Reel 3 (reel-to-reel tape)
undated
“Intrigue” – “Lux Radio Theatre”
undated
Box
67
Parts 1 and 2 (phonograph record)
Part 1 Track List: (M-13) “Donkey Decoy Hijack”; (M-14) “Chinese Confusion”; (M-15) “More Chinese Confusion” and “Sonya”; (M-16) “More Departed Buddies”; (M-17) “Sonya in Trouble”; and (M-22) “Goodbye Pals.” Part 2 Track List: (M-18) “Chinese Ball Game”; (M-19) “Newspapers – Visit to Sonya”; (M-21) “Buddies?”; (M-23) “Chinese Canyon”; (M-12) “Hijacking at the Warehouse” and (M-30) “Departed Buddies.”
undated
67
Parts 3 and 4 (phonograph record)
Part 3 Track List: (M-20) “Knife Attack – Hospital Watch”; (M-24) “Chinese Fairy Tale”; (M-25) “Streets of Shanghai”; (M-26) “Gangster Stuff”; and (M-27) “Long Time No See.” Part 4 Track List: (M-10) “Thoughts on China’s Plight”; (M-11) “Airplane Escape”; (M-8) “Main Title”; and (M-9) “End Title.”
undated
undated
Box
66
Reel 1 (reel-to-reel tape)
undated
66
Reel 2 (reel-to-reel tape)
undated
67
# 1, Sides 1 and 2 (phonograph record)
undated
67
# 2, Sides 1 and 2 (phonograph record)
undated
digital ahcdm_03215_002
Digital tracks (received on DVD-R)
2014
Box
Box
67
# 1/# 2 (phonograph record)
1951
67
# 3/# 4 (phonograph record)
1951
“The Moonrise Song”
Box
67
Air Check – Eddy Howard (phonograph record)
undated
digital ahcdm_03215_001
Digital Files (received on DVD-R)
2014
Box
“Mrs. Mike” – “Lux Radio Theatre”
"Based on themes by Max Steiner."
undated
Box
67
Parts 1 and 2 (phonograph record)
undated
67
Parts 3 and 4 (phonograph record)
undated
67
“One Way Passage” – “Screen Director’s Playhouse”(phonograph record)
1949
66
Road Runner” Music (reel-to-reel tape)
undated
67
“Song of the Generator”/“Main Title” (phonograph record)
undated
Box
67
# 1 (phonograph record)
Side 1 Track List: S1-S5. Side 2 Track Listings: S6-S12.
1953
67
# 2 (phonograph record)
Side 1 Track List: S13-S20. Side 2 Track Listings: S21-S24.
1953
67
# 3 (phonograph record)
Side 1 Track List: S25-S28, S30-S32. Side 2 Track Listings: S33-S38.
undated
67
# 4 (phonograph record)
Side 1 Track Listings: S39-S44. Side 2 Track Listings: S45-S48.
1953
67
# 5 (phonograph record)
Side 1 Track List: S49-S55. Side 2 Track Listings: S56-S60.
1953
67
# 6 (phonograph record)
Side 1 Track List: S61-S64. Side 2 Track Listings: S65.
1953
“That’s Life” – “The Alan Young Show”
Box
67
Prod. # 7502 – M100-T4, M304-T1, M304-T2, M304-T3, M304-T4, M304-T5, M304-T6 (phonograph record)
1954
67
Prod. # 7502 – M101-R1, M101-T1, M200-T1, M200-T2, M200-T3 (phonograph record)
1954
67
Prod. # 7502 – M201-T1, M201-T2, M202-T1, M203-T1, M100-T1, M100-T2, M100-T2 (phonograph record)
1954
67
Prod. # 7502 – M202A-T2, M300-T1, M300-T2, M301-T1, M301A-T1, M302-T1 (phonograph record)
1954
67
Prod. # 7502 – M303-T1, M102-T1, M303-T2 (phonograph record)
1954
67
Prod. # 7502 – M303-T3, M303-T4, M200A-T1, M200A-T2, M200A-T3, M202A-T1 (phonograph record)
1954
66
“The Toys for Tots Parade March” (reel-to-reel tape)
Music by Lava; lyrics by William Hendricks.
undated
67
Unidentified – R3, S1/R3, S2 (phonograph record)
undated

Series IV. CorrespondenceReturn to Top

Container(s) Description
Box
59
ASCAP
A copy of a letter requesting registrations for several musical compositions, including “A Boy is a Curious Thing,” the music for which was written by Lava.
1958
59
Library of Congress - Registrar of Copyrights
A letter requesting blank copyright-registration forms and a pamphlet, titled "Copyright for Musical Compositions," sent to Lava. Also includes multiple blank copyright-registration forms.
1966
59
Warner Bros. memo re parking
1967
59
1948-1969

Series V. AssortedReturn to Top

Container(s) Description
Box
58
Clippings
1940-1969, undated
60
Composers and Lyricists Guild of America, Inc.
1963, undated
60
Emmy Awards – Candidates for Nomination – Best Musical Contribution for Television (photocopy)
The list includes Lava for “Zorro” and “Cheyenne.”
undated
58
“Film Music by William Lava” (photocopy – list)
undated
60
Handwritten Lists
A list of automobiles, breakfast foods, cosmetics, and soaps and detergents, and a list of “Brooklynese – As She is Spake.”
undated
digital ahcdm_03215_001
William Lava (archived recordings)
A list received with digital music tracks on DVDs (see above).
2014
Box
60
Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and Arts – promotional sheet
Lava is mentioned in the text.
undated
60
“Music by William Lava” (photocopy – resumé)
1969
60
Original Composition Sketches for Motion Pictures – Listing of Titles by Library Boxes (15)
undated
Photos
Box
60
Includes a photo of Lava autographed by him and a photo of Lava conducting the Warner Bros. Orchestra for a scene from the film "Chamber of Horrors." The other photos are photocopies, most of which include captions.
1969, undated
digital ahcdm_03215_001
William Lava acetate scans (JPEGs)
Pictures of acetate records received on DVD-Rs with digital music tracks (see above).
2014
Box
Presentations
Box
60
"I Won't Play" (photocopy)
"Talk delivered by the composer William Lava on the music scoring for the Warner Bros. short subject 'I Won’t Play.'"
undated
60
“Music in the Documentary Film” (photocopy)
“Address to be delivered at 4 Star Theatre on March 6, 1948, to the Institute of Music Teachers under the auspices of the Motion Picture Association.”
1948
60 1956
58
Programs for events featuring Lava’s music (photocopies)
1947-1950, undated
60
“Research Institute Recommendations” (Research Institute of America) (photocopy)
1969
60
"The Super 6" - Storyboards - "Super Bwoing vs. Thunder-8-Ball," "Having a Ball,""Super Bwoing vs. Gopherbroke," "A Knight's Hard Day,"and unidentified
undated
60
Television Academy – Music
Lists some of the TV series for which Lava composed music.
undated
60
“Voyage of the Scarlet Queen” - Radio Scripts
Scripts for episode 2 (“Report of the White Jade Buddha”) and episode 3 (“The Spaniard & the Lascar Pirates”).
1947
59
“Willie (Rip Van) Winkle”
Lists of characters and musical numbers.
undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Composers -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Composition (Music)
  • Conductors (Music) -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Film composers.
  • Motion picture music.
  • Musical sketches.
  • Television music.