The "Let's Pretend" Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSS 004

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains scripts written for the "Let's Pretend" radio program as well as the sheet music for the conductor's score, cues, and orchestra parts for numerous "Let's Pretend" episodes. The majority of the scripts were written by Nila Mack. Following her death, several scripts were re‐written by Johanna Johnston, and these scripts contain the notation "JJ". In addition, several scripts have BBD&O noted after the title. These scripts were written by the Batten, Barton, Durstine, & Osborn ad agency. There are additional radio program scripts with parts played by Gwen Davies (formerly Estelle Levy). Gwen was one of the actors who worked on the "Let's Pretend" series for its entire run. The sheet music was written by Maurice Brown, who was the composer for the "Let's Pretend" program. The collection contains 1 LP which has a recording of one "Let's Pretend" episode: the story of "Robin Hood".

Dates

Bulk
1932 - 2006

Creator

Brown, Marlene (Person)
Peter Mones (Person)

Language of Materials

Records in English.

Conditions Governing Use

The status of copyright in this collection is governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C). This collection is for research purposes only. No portions of these scripts or scores may be performed or reproduced as written. These are non-circulating materials.

Extent

5.5 linear feet

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection is organized into 4 series which are based on the order in which the collection was received.

Series 1: "Let's Pretend" Scripts

Series 2: Miscellaneous Scripts

Series 3: Sheet music for orchestra parts & conductor's scores/cues for the "Let's Pretend" program.

Series 4: LP's

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Marlene Brown, granddaughter of composer Maurice Brown, on March 21, 1988. Donation was made available through the cooperation of Peter Mones, Emerson class of 1983.

General

Abstract: The "Let's Pretend" collection is comprised of numerous scripts for the "Let's Pretend" radio program which aired on CBS radio, as well as the scores and sheet music that accompanied the program. In addition, there are several radio program scripts from the 1930's which feature one of the "Let's Pretend" actors.

General

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Container number, Folder # or Title, "Let's Pretend" Collection, Emerson College Archives, Emerson College, Boston, MA.