University of Wyoming
Larry Menkin (1911-2000) was a New York -Hollywood TV writer-producer-director and program executive. He was the author of more than 375 scripts for TV as well as a number of radio spots. Along with his wife Chris, he co-authored a children's book of African folk tales. He served for 5 years as Radio-TV film director of the San Francisco Bay Area United Crusade. From 1956-1964, he was both a staff and freelance writer-producer-director in Hollywood. His credits include stories and scripts for shows such as "Rawhide", "77 Sunset Strip", "Follow the Sun", "Zane Grey Theatre", "National Velvet", "Code 3" and many others. While in New York (1949-1956), Menkin was the Program Director of Dumont Network (1949-1951); Director of Programs WOR-WOR TV RKO General Films, Program Supervisor of "I spy", Confidential File, with Paul Coates. He also served as the creator-producer-writer of the Award Winning "Harlem Detective" which helped spark th e integration of African Americans into television. Other television credits from this period include "High Tension", "Mono Drama Theatre", "Detective" and "Hands of Mystery". He was also the concept creator and writer for the first science fiction television program "Captain Video" (1949). In the 1980s, Menkin taught writing and acting classes. His acting classes popularized the "Menkin method" and some of his notable students include Robin Williams and Dana Carvey.
This collection of papers represent all aspects Larry Menkin's career especially his television and radio scripts. The collection includes biographical information and correspondence of Larry Menkin. Also included are galley proofs for articles Menkin wrote for the "Daily News", "New York Times", "Radio-Television Daily" and "Staff and Variety". Numerous manuscripts include "Battle Scar", "Black Doctor: The Coming Revolution in Television", "Who is Julian?" as well as the multi-media script "Eye Balls and Ear Drums". Papers include course outlines for Menkin's writing and acting workshops, newspaper clippings pertaining to his career, press releases, legal agreements, proposals for projects, photographs, memos, reports, and books. Collection also contains audiotape scripts and scripts from students.
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 Larry Menkin at the date of processing.
Partial finding aid available in repository.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
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