An Archive of Correspondence Material Related to Cinematographer Joseph Walker and Film Director Frank Capra

1970s. An archive of signed letters and greeting cards from cinematographer Joseph Walker in correspondence with Victor Scherle and William Levy, authors of ‘The Films of Frank Capra’ and ‘Affectionately, T. S. Eliot: The Story of a Friendship: 1947-1965.’ In a photocopy of an autograph letter signed, dated Sept. 24, 1974 Mr. Walker replies to an inquiry from Scherle and Levy requesting information and/or photos which relate to working with Capra. Walker writes in part: “I am enclosing a photo as requested. I do not remember when it was taken, perhaps on ‘Lost Horizon.’...I do not have any particular anecdotes, except those already mentioned in the Barbara Stanwyck book by Ella Smith or in Frank Capra’s book. But I believe that Frank Capra, with his excellent technical education and deep understanding of human values, enthusiasm for life, and great sense of humor, would have been a success in any area. That he chose motion pictures for his field of endeavor was very fortunate for all of us that were associated with him. And very fortunate for Columbia Pictures, too. I am especially appreciative of Frank Capra’s understanding and help on the technical problems of those early days.” In a later typed letter signed from Walker to Scherle and Levy, dated Nov. 25, 1978, he writes: “... I was so happy to receive the autographed copy of ‘The Films of Frank Capra.’ The arrangement of valuable text, the printing, the reproduction of the photographs, the whole Make-up of the book, is of the highest order...I, too, am writing a book. A great deal of it is about the early days, before Frank Capra, even before Columbia. But of course, Frank Capra and Columbia will be an important part of it. I have been working on it for two years and it will be a while yet before it is finished.” His book was published in 1984, entitled ‘The Light on Her Face’ with his wife Juanita Walker]. Joseph Walker was one of the great cinematographers of Hollywood's golden age known for the many films he did with Frank Capra, including such classics as Platinum Blonde (1931), It Happened One Night (1934), Lost Horizon (1937), You Can’t Take it With You (1938), and It's a Wonderful Life (1946). He had the well-earned reputation as Capra’s favorite Director of Photography. Although nominated for three Oscars (You Can't Take It with You, Only Angels Have Wings (1939), Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941), and The Jolson Story (1946)) he never won, until he received the Gordon E. Sawyer Award in 1982. All of the material is in near fine to fine condition.