Hurrell Productions, 1950-1953
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Scope and Contents
Rare, often the only existing copies, of 8 x 10" photographs documenting the production activity of George Hurrell as a producer and director in early days of TV (1950 - 1953). These photos document the commercial TV advertising work done by George Hurrell and his then wife, Phyllis Bounds Hurrell at their Hurrell Productions that was housed on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California. Several of the photos show George Hurrell on the set as an active/involved producer and sometimes director.
Dates
- Creation: 1950-1953
Creator
- From the Collection: Hurrell, George, 1904-1992 (Person)
- From the Collection: D'Elia, Lou (Person)
- From the Collection: Newton, Helmut, 1920-2004 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Advance notice required for access.
Historical Note
In the 1940's George Hurrell married Phyllis Bounds, the niece of Lillian Bounds Disney, who was Walt Disney's wife. Phyllis and George had three children, Victoria, Clancy and Alexandra. In December 1950 the Hurrell's founded Hurrell Productions, Inc. and became successful producers of live action and animated commercials in the earliest days of television. This television production company was housed on The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. The business was a partnership with George Hurrell's uncle (by marriage), Walt Disney. Most of the commercials that aired on the early Disney produced TV shows were created by Hurrell Productions. Although it was an independent company, employment opportunities were largely kept within the Studios family in an effort to keep production costs down and ensure steady work. Disney animators and staff were employed to create animated television commercials featuring some of the most iconic and memorable brand mascots of the 1950's – all developed in house – such as Bucky Beaver for Ipana Toothpaste, Tommy Mohawk for Mohawk Carpets, and Fresh-Up Freddy for 7-Up soft drink. The commercials also created jobs for other Disney talent. Future Big Mouseketeer and talented songwriter Jimmy Dodd was the voice of Bucky Beaver for Ipana toothpaste; he wrote and sang the jingle "Brusha, brusha, brusha, use the new Ipana." Cliff 'Jiminy Cricket' Edwards narrated the Peter Pan Peanut Butter commercials. Even Disney characters were appropriated for promotional purposes, such as Tinker Bell promoting Peter Pan Peanut Butter. Walt Disney's youngest daughter, Sharon, was employed as an assistant to her cousin, Phyllis Hurrell, and was personally delivered each morning to the door of the Hurrell Production offices by her father.
Extent
From the Collection: 57.77 Linear Feet (42 boxes, 2 map case drawers)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the USC Libraries Special Collections Repository
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles California 90089-0189 United States
specol@usc.edu