University of Wyoming
Mission to America -- Film -- 16mm.
Renaldo (1904-1980) was an actor noted for his most popular role as the "Cisco Kid," whom he played in twelve films and in 156 television episodes. He was orphaned at an early age and raised by relatives in Europe. Renaldo began his acting career in the United States in the 1920s on stage and in silent movies. Because of Renaldo's own uncertainty surrounding the facts of his birth and nationality, he became involved in a trial in 1931 relating to his legal status and citizenship. He was later charged with making false statements on his passport and served eighteen months in prison. Renaldo was formally pardoned by President Roosevelt and released in 1936.
Renaldo managed to regain status as an actor and was cast in several films including "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in 1941. In 1946 he was offered the film role of the "Cisco Kid" and went on to play the role on radio and television.
Collection contains some personal materials but mainly materials relating to Renaldo's acting and his portrayal of the "Cisco Kid" and "Cisco Kid" memorabilia. There is fan mail, personal and general correspondence with some relating to the Screen Writers' and Screen Actors Guilds. There are some legal papers relating to his first divorce and his citizenship. Screenplays for motion pictures including "For Whom the Bell Tolls" are included along with "Cisco Kid" scripts for radio and television.
There is a large amount of "Cisco Kid" publicity materials including promotional kits, posters, memorabilia, and Renaldo personal appearances files containing correspondence, photographs, contracts and newspaper clippings. There are numerous artifacts including costumes and a handcrafted saddle, bridle and breast collar. Also included is a 16mm color film (along with film negative), "Mission to America," a documentary on California Spanish missions Renaldo made in 1941.
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
There are no known other archival collections created by Duncan Renaldo at the date of processing.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
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