James Harllee Bell Collection, 1930/1973

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Dr.
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 26041-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Suggested Note:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication.

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], James Harllee Bell Collection, 1930-1973, Ms2025-086, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
1 Cubic Feet
Language:
English
Abstract:
The James Harllee Bell Collection consists of 6 original screenplays, 4 screenplay copies, a photo book, and a folio from 1930-1973 connected to James Harllee Bell, a former Electrical Engineering student at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech).
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], James Harllee Bell Collection, 1930-1973, Ms2025-086, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The James Harllee Bell Collection consists of 3 original screenplays and 2 screenplay copies by James Harllee Bell, 2 original screenplays under the name 'Sheridan McRae' (late brother of James Harllee Bell, used as homage), 1 original screenplay under the name 'Monte Siloh' (possible pseudonym for James Harllee Bell), 2 copies of a screenplay by Joyce Arling Bell (wife of James Harllee Bell), 1 photo book that documents the burial of James Harllee Bell, and 1 folio of written calculations, design plans, and illustrations. These materials belonged to James Harllee Bell, a former Electrical Engineering student at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech).

Biographical / historical:

James Harllee Bell was born on December 1, 1891, in Suffolk, Virginia. Bell attended Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech) and was a part of the first theater club, 'The Thalians,' on campus. He graduated in 1911 with an Electrical Engineering degree, and following his collegiate education at VPI, Bell became an actor and a playwright. He is most known for his roles in Old Hollywood films from 1932-1964, such as I Walked with a Zombie (1943) and Blind Spot (1947). Bell also performed on Broadway in New York until 1943, most notably performing in The Last Mile (1930) as Richard Walters. In 1929, James Harllee Bell married Joyce Arling (née Doris Marie Burge), who wrote a biography in 1973 to commemorate her husband's life. James Harllee Bell passed away at the age of 81 on October 26, 1973, in Kents Store, Virginia.

Pumpernickel and Champagne: A Biography of James Harllee Bell by Joyce Arling Bell (nee Doris Marie Burge), Spring 1973

The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/1930/03/16/archives/in-or-near-the-spotlights-glare-mr-bell-of-the-last-milea-singer.html?searchResultPosition=11

1911 Bugle, pg. 28

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bell_(actor)

Acquisition information:
The James Harllee Bell Collection was gifted to Special Collections and University Archives on July 21, 2025, by Hillair Bell (son of James Harllee Bell).
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the James Harllee Bell Collection was completed in October 2025.

Arrangement:

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