The papers consist of accounting and financial information for most of Davies's later films and correspondence files from the 1950s. There is also information about Davies's business dealings, as well as her relationship with the Hearst organization after Hearst's death. The photograph series consists of glass slides, nitrate negatives, and prints of biography photographs.

Marion Davies (1897-1961) was born Marion Cecilia Douras in Brooklyn, New York, and began appearing on stage in 1913. By 1915 she was a well-known chorus girl appearing in numerous revues. That year she met William Randolph Hearst, and they began an affair that lasted until his death in 1951. In 1917 Davies made her first film, RUNAWAY ROMANY, and from then on her films were made by Cosmopolitan Pictures—Hearst's company—for release through Paramount, MGM, and finally Warner Bros. Among her best-known films were WHEN KINGHTHOOD WAS IN FLOWER (1922), THE PATSY (1928), SHOW PEOPLE (1928), and POLY OF THE CIRCUS (1932). Her last film was EVER SINCE EVE (1937). Davies was renowned as a hostess and gave memorable parties at the Hearst estate in San Simeon, as well as at her Santa Monica beach house. After her retirement, she became deeply involved with many charities, supporting a free children's clinic for many years. She married a seaman, Captain Horace Brown, several months after Hearst's death.

6.25 linear ft. of papers 1 linear ft. of photos

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.

Available by appointment only.