Bill Banks Photo Collection

March 2019
Back in Hollywood's heyday of the 50s and 60s, legendary photographer and cinematographer Bill Banks captured all the glitz and glamor of the stars at their premieres, industry events, and all-night parties. Producers Library exclusively represents Banks' collection and is now making more than 1,000 still photographs of Hollywood available for licensing. Banks' work is brimming with candid shots showing Jerry Lewis cracking up Frank Sinatra, Richard Nixon and Bob Hope comparing noses, and Don Rickles hamming it up.

In addition to those funnymen, Banks managed to capture Jayne Mansfield in her usual stunning form and comically chowing down on a slice of pizza, along with the odd couple of Kim Novak and Vampira dining together at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Banks also shot numerous photos of beloved African-American entertainers such as Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Pearl Bailey, Louis Armstrong, and Lionel Hampton palling around with guests. Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, JFK, Anthony Quinn, Doris Day, John Wayne, Liberace, Conrad Hilton, Charlton Heston, Robert Wagner... the list of celebrities that Bill Banks photographed is seemingly endless.  

Whether it was snapping photos of the 30th annual Academy Awards arrivals at the Pantages Theater in the heart of Hollywood, the world premiere of Peyton Place at the Beverly Theater or wild partygoers in garish costumes at the annual Halloween bash thrown by Sy Devore, "the man who dressed the Rat Pack", Banks documented everything the era had to offer.

The black and white and color negatives have been digitized to 1200 DPI and now join Producers Library’s vast archives of Hollywood and entertainment history.

For information on licensing, pricing and to view the clips, contact via research@producerslibrary.com or 818 752 9097.