Scully, Frank, 1892-1964

Variant names

Dates:

Birth 1892-04-28

Death 1964-06-23

Biographical notes:

Scully graduated from Columbia University in 1927 and began working for the "New York Sun" as a reporter. After working briefly for the "Chicago Tribune" and "Variety," Scully ghosted a book on the life of George Bernard Shaw for Frank Harris. He ran unsuccessfully for the California Legislature's 57th District from 1934-1948 and served as secretary and administrative assistant of the California Department of Institutions from 1937-1941.

Scully also authored several gag books for patients confined to bed, including, "Fun in Bed" and "More Fun in Bed." Scully's other works included the children's book "Blessed Mother Goose," his autobiography "This Gay Knight," and "Behind the Flying Saucers," a book on the existence of unidentified flying objects.

From the description of Frank Scully papers, 1924-1985. (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 34073391

Frank Scully (1892-1964) was a well known author, journalist, humorist, and political activist. Educated at Columbia University, he began his career as a reporter on the New York Sun . Mr. Scully moved to Europe in the 1920s and did not return to the United Stated until 1933.

While in Europe he wrote a column for Variety, authored books, and handled publicity for Rex Ingram Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer films in France. Once back in the United States, he moved to Los Angeles to work for 20th Century fox. He was a contributer to Esquire, Reader's Digest, Catholic Digest, and other national periodicals. He wrote a regular column for Variety, The Epic News, United Progressive News, and Hollywood Press Times

Mr. Scully was a three-time nominee for the California legislature and appointed to the post of Secretary of the California Department of Institutions in 1938. Throughout his life, he gave his time and talent to philanthropic organizations. He was a founding member of the Los Angeles Newspapers Guild, founder of the Los Angeles Humane Society, a president of the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of California and a long time member of the Hollywood Democratic Club. He received a Fiftieth Anniversity Medal from the Columbia University School of Journalism and was a papal knight in the Orders of St. Elizabeth, and of St. Gregory.

His books include Bernard Shaw, The Fun in Bed Series for Convalescents, Rogue's Gallery, Behind the Flying Saucers, Blessed Mother Goose, Cross My Heart, This Gay Knight, and In Armor Bright .

From the guide to the Frank Scully papers, 1924-1985, (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)