The Jack Atlas papers span the years 1942-1975 and encompass 5 linear feet. The collection contains approximately 500 trailer scripts for films released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Columbia Pictures. The scripts relate to theatrical trailers and television spots. There are occasional memos and other correspondence related to advertising and promotion, Columbia Films marketing analysis, box office analysis and sales approach, and miscellaneous advertising and publicity materials, such as premiere invitations and souvenir programs.

Jack Atlas was an American film publicist, born in Lynn, Massachusetts. He graduated from Tufts University with a degree in Psychology and English. Atlas worked in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer publicity department from 1942 to 1950; three of those years were spent as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. In 1951, Atlas joined the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer trailer department as a writer and producer. He was appointed associate producer of MGM's first television show, MGM PARADE, and created the studio's first television featurettes. He produced trailers for Columbia Pictures beginning in 1960 and became a vice president of promotion before leaving in 1973 to form the Jack Atlas Organization with his wife, Myrtle Cooper. Theirs was one of the first companies to offer the creation and production of marketing materials under one roof, exclusively for theatrical films. Atlas served as an executive board member and trustee of the Screen Publicists Guild from 1946 to 1961. He served four consecutive terms on the Academy Board of Governors P.R. Branch beginning in 1963, and was a member of the P.R. Branch Executive Committee from 1970 to 1980.