Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer set reference photographs
Special Collections
Margaret Herrick Library
© 2014
Title: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer set reference photographs
Date (inclusive): 1919-1973
Date (bulk): 1925-1973
Collection number: 1101
Creator:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Extent:
315 linear feet of photographs.
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.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer set reference photographs, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences.
Gift of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Film Co., 1984
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, an American motion picture production company, was formed in 1924. The studio was
located in Culver City, California. MGM was formed when the theater circuit Loew's Inc., owner of Metro
Pictures Corporation, acquired Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and Louis B. Mayer Pictures and subsequently
merged the three companies. Acquired by a consortium of investors in 2005, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.,
continues to function as a film production and distribution company out of its Century City, California
headquarters.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer set reference photographs span the years 1919-1973 (bulk 1925-1973) and
encompasses 315 linear feet. The collection consists of approximately 350,000 black-and-white photographs
taken of sets during film production for continuity and other reference purposes. Performers and crew
members appear only rarely. Most images are 8x10, but some files also contain 4x5 prints, sometimes of
the same images. Both feature length and short films are represented, including many period dramas and
musicals noteworthy for their production design. There is limited coverage of Metro-Goldwyn and Goldwyn
productions.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: 1. Motion picture production photographs; 2. Subject photographs
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer