Collection Guide
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Irving G. Thalberg and Norma Shearer papers
1655
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Table of contents
Title: Irving G. Thalberg and Norma Shearer papers
Date (inclusive): 1924-circa 1968
Date (bulk): 1928-1942
Collection number: 1655
Creator:
Thalberg, Irving G.
Shearer, Norma
Extent:
.8 linear feet of papers.
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
English
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Available by appointment only.
Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are
responsible for obtaining all necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies
or individuals before quoting from or publishing materials obtained from the library.
Irving G. Thalberg and Norma Shearer papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences.
Acquired in 2011 from the estate of Martin Arrouge
Irving G. Thalberg was an American production executive most active in film from the 1920s to mid-
1930s. He served as head of production at Universal, followed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Norma Shearer
was a Canadian-born actress most active in film during the 1920s and 1930s. Thalberg and Shearer were
married in 1927.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Irving G. Thalberg and Norma Shearer papers span the years 1924-circa 1968 (bulk 1928-1942) and
encompass less than one linear foot. The collection, a fair amount of which is related to the estate of
Thalberg, contains correspondence, contracts, and legal documents. The bulk of the material relates to
Thalberg, with only a few folders concerning Shearer's career and family. The Thalberg material and
correspondence contains information about his finances and his business relationship with MGM executive
Louis B. Mayer. Of interest are drafts of a letter Thalberg wrote to Nicholas Schenck in 1933 analyzing
why MGM was successful while he was in charge of production for the company and arguing against the plan
to take away that authority.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: 1. Subject files
Thalberg, Irving G. , 1899-1936--Archives
Shearer, Norma , 1902-1983--Archives
actresses
executives