The Martin J. Quigley Papers consist of correspondence, manuscripts, photographs and related printed ephemera regarding Quigley Publications, the Production Code, and the Legion of Decency. The papers, dating from 1917 to 1970, comprise 4.5 linear feet of material, arranged into 4 boxes and 260 folders. The collection is organized into series as follows:
Series 1. Individual Correspondence. Files of correspondence from individuals arranged alphabetically. Includes notables such as Barney Balaban, Howard Hughes, Spyros Skouros, and Joseph Kennedy. There are many letters from Joseph Breen, Will Hays, and Eric Johnston, regarding the Production Code. The series includes correspondence from members of the Catholic hierarchy, regarding the Legion of Decency. There are letters from Rev. Daniel A. Lord, who at Quigley's request wrote the Production Code; as well as letters from Rev. Paul Facey, Rev. Patrick Masterson, Rev. Thomas Little, and Rev. John McClafferty. Included are numerous letters from the Archbishop of Cincinnati, John t. McNicholas; William Scully, Bishop of Albany; Francis Spellman, Archbishop of New York; and Samuel Stritch, Archbishop of Chicago.
Series 2. Subject Correspondence. Correspondence and related material regarding the Legion of Decency, the Production Code, Quigley Publications and testimonials. Correspondence regarding the Legion of Decency is organized alphabetically by location, e.g., Buffalo, Chicago, Massachusetts, Mexico, Philadelphia, and New York. The series includes correspondence from Rev. Wilfrid Parsons, Will Hays, Mary Looram, and Archbishop Amleto Cicognani. Notable items in this series include a document identified as the original Production Code, as well as files relating to specific projects, "The Cardinal," "La Dolce Vita," "Lolita," and "Of Love and Desire," among many others. Material on Quigley Publications includes business files and correspondence relating to the publications "Motion Picture Daily," "Hollywood Herald," and "Exhibitors Herald." An extensive file of testimonials includes letters from notables such as Louella Parsons, Herbert Yates, Darryl Zanuck, Joseph Schenck, Adolph Zukor, Sam Katz, and Samuel Goldwyn.
Series 3. Manuscripts. Collection of Martin J. Quigley's writings and addresses arranged chronologically.
Series 4. Personal. Quigley's personal correspondence. Includes honorary degrees, merits, photographs, and ephemera.
Series 5. Newspaper Clippings. Articles regarding Quigley Publications, the Production Code, and the Legion of Decency.
Series 6. Miscellaneous.
