The Jack Poplin papers span the years circa 1953-1980 (bulk 1958-1969) and encompass 0.7 linear foot. The collection consists of scripts, clippings, sketches, and production information for most of the films Poplin has worked on. The material varies from a few clippings or a cast and crew list to detailed production information such as set budget information, shooting schedules, set breakdowns, memos, and sketches. In addition, the collection includes a script and production information for "Blackwell the Retread," an episode written by Max Wilk for the television series MCKEEVER & THE COLONEL.

John S. (Jack) Poplin Jr. (1920-2007) was born in Los Angeles and graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1938. Poplin studied art and design at the Chouinard Art Institute and the Art Center College of Design. After serving in the Army during World War II, he was an illustrator and designer on such films as THE BARON OF ARIZONA (1950) and HELLGATE (1952). In 1953 Poplin began working for 20th Century-Fox as a designer of special props and furniture. During his three and a half years at the studio, his work appeared in such films as THE EGYPTAIN (1954), BROKEN LANCE (1954), and SOUTH PACIFIC (1958). Poplin's first film as an art director was GOD'S LITTLE ACRE in 1957. He has designed such films as THE RISE AND FALL OF LEGS DIAMOND (1960), THE SLENDER THREAD (1965), THE GREAT SANTINI (1980), and TRAXX (1987). Poplin was nominated by the Academy for art direction (black and white) for THE SLENDER THREAD.