This collection houses scripts, movie stills, photographs, awards, scrapbooks, and other materials documenting the life and work of motion picture director Clarence Brown. Of particular interest are the scripts and photographs showing the numerous films that Brown directed during his career.

The material is arranged into four series:

Series I: Scripts and Other Materials (1920-1953, circa 1990s) consists primarily of scripts for the motion pictures that Brown directed between 1919 and 1952. It also houses scrapbooks, reviews, and promotional materials (such as lobby cards and posters) related to his movies.

Series II: Photographs (circa 1910s-circa 1970s [bulk 1918-1952]) houses Brown's personal and professional photographs. This material is further broken down into two categores: Sub-Series A - Movie Stills and Research Photographs (1919-1952) consists primarily of still images from Brown's films and professional photographs taken on their movies sets. It also includes photographs that Brown collected while conducting research prior to filming Trail of '98. Sub-Series B - Other Photographs (circa 1910s-circa 1970s) houses Brown's personal photographs, including signed portraits of actors and actresses.

Series III: Other Papers (1927-1989 September 14) consists primarily of certificates showing Brown's memberships in various aviation associations and documenting awards bestowed upon him by the Governors of Tennessee and Kentucky. It also houses a scrapbook recording Brown's interaction with the University of Tennessee's football team during the 1940 Rose Bowl and materials showing the Clarence Brown Theater in addition to correspondence, publications, and other materials.

Series IV: Oversized Materials (1920-1985 September 14) contains all large format items from the collection. This includes covers for scripts, scrapbooks, photographs, movie promotional material, and other papers.