Peter A. Nikulin Collection

Collection Items

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Yellow Kid, The
Film
Yellow Kid, The
1951
Adventures of Uncle Mistletoe - Orig Neg Syndicated Opening + Closing
Film
Adventures of Uncle Mistletoe - Orig Neg Syndicated Opening + Closing
1952
Adventures of Uncle Mistletoe - Episode #10, Pix + Trk Workprint
Film
Adventures of Uncle Mistletoe - Episode #10, Pix + Trk Workprint
1952
Adventures of Uncle Mistletoe - Episode #3, Pix + Trk Workprint
Film
Adventures of Uncle Mistletoe - Episode #3, Pix + Trk Workprint
1952
Adventures of Uncle Mistletoe - Episode #4, Pix + Trk Workprint
Film
Adventures of Uncle Mistletoe - Episode #4, Pix + Trk Workprint
1952
TV Kitchen - Episode 20, Print B
Film
TV Kitchen - Episode 20, Print B
1954
TV Kitchen - Episode 26, Print C
Film
TV Kitchen - Episode 26, Print C
circa 1954
T-2623 - Hal Block - Pix - Neg - Sc. 1 / Take 7
Film
T-2623 - Hal Block - Pix - Neg - Sc. 1 / Take 7
circa 1953
Vernor's #2205 Workprint
Film
Vernor's #2205 Workprint
1955
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Items with Viewable Media
Collection Identifier
C.2021-09
Extent of Collection
253 reels of 35mm film totaling approximately 66,550 feet; 127 reels of 16mm film totaling approximately 81,860 feet; various ephemera.
Language Of Materials
English
Custodial History
Kathlene Nikulin inherited the collection from her father, Peter A. Nikulin, after his death in 2012, and subsequently donated it to CFA in 2021. Kathlene believes her father purchased the films at an auction.
Access Restrictions
This collection is open to on-site access. Appointments must be made with Chicago Film Archives. Due to the fragile nature of the films, only digital copies will be provided for on-site viewing.
Use Restrictions
Rights can be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Creators
Kling Studios (was created by)
Kling Studios, Inc. was a commercial art and film production company founded by Robert B. Eirinberg and illustrator Wendell Kling in Chicago during the Great Depression.

The business grew rapidly, and in 1945, the company built a $500,000, 300,000-square-foot studio at 601 N. Fairbanks Ct, on Chicago's near north side. The firm also had offices in Hollywood, New York, Cleveland and Detroit. In 1950, its film and television production offshoot, Kling Film Productions, built what was then the largest film studio outside of Hollywood in an old roller rink at 1058 West Washington Blvd. The firm was a pioneer in combining art, photography and sales-promotion services in one location. The company was sold in the early '60s.

Kling Film Productions was responsible for many popular syndicated television programs in the early '50s, including The Adventures of Uncle Mistletoe, The Old American Barn Dance, and Boxing from Rainbo. Fred A. Niles headed the division, which also produced industrial training films for companies such as Admiral Corporation, and advertisements for companies including Vernor's Ginger Ale, Ideal Dog Food, and Godchaux Sugar.