The Abe and Charlotte Levitow Papers spans the years 1939-1978 (bulk 1964-1973) and encompasses 7.1 linear feet. The collection consists of Production files, Television files, Subject files, and Oversize. The collection contains scripts, letters, memos and other production notes, publicity materials, copies of model sheets, original storyboards, and copies of storyboards and other drawings.

The production files contain script and production material related to the features GAY PURR-EE (1962) and THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH (1970), as well as other features and several short cartoons on which Levitow worked. There is also some material collected by Levitow on animated films unrelated to his career, for instance, a Jiminy Cricket model sheet from PINOCCHIO (1940). The television files contain script and production material generated for, primarily, B. C., THE FIRST THANKSGIVING (1973) and CURIOSITY SHOP (1971), and script and publicity material for THE FAMOUS ADVENTURES OF MR. MAGOO (1964-1965). The B. C. and CURIOSITY SHOP material is of particular interest, since correspondents and collaborators include Johnny Hart, Chuck Jones, Walt Kelly, Mell Lazarus and Hank Ketcham. The subject files contain model sheets, storyboards, publicity material, one filled-out exposure sheet, and other animation paperwork from commercials and miscellaneous other projects. The UPA publicity is of interest since it is based on reprints of published articles which describe the studio’s artistic approach and production methods. The Oversize files files contain further examples of storyboard and animation art materials, in greater dimension.

Abe Levitow (1922-1975) was born Abraham Levitow in Los Angeles, California. An American animator and animated film director active from 1940 until his death, he started work in the animation business at Leon Schlesinger Productions in 1940 and survived the transition to Warner Bros. Cartoons in 1944. Levitow worked as animator in Chuck Jones’ production unit on such theatrical short cartoons as the Academy Award-nominated MOUSE WRECKERS (1948) and NELLY'S FOLLY (1961), as well as the Academy Award-winning FOR SCENT-IMENTAL REASONS (1949). In the late 1950s, he moved to UPA Pictures as director of television animation and the theatrical features 1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS (1959) and GAY PURR-EE (1962).

By the 1960s, Levitow was alternating between Jones and UPA, becoming head animator for the former and receiving co-directing credit with him on shorts such as LICKETY-SPLAT (1961) and the feature THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH (1970), as the unit completed its work at Warner Bros. and established its independence, first as SIB-Tower 12 Productions, then as MGM Animation/Visual Arts. Finally, after working at these and other studios, Levitow partnered with David Hanson to create Levitow/Hanson Films, which was very active until his untimely death. Levitow also contributed to Richard Williams’ animated A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1972), which, while produced for the small screen, became the recipient of an Academy Award.