Edwin H. and Mildred O. Knopf papers

Special Collections
Margaret Herrick Library © 2014


Descriptive Summary

Title: Edwin H. and Mildred O. Knopf papers
Date (inclusive): 1911-2004
Date (bulk): 1941-1969
Collection number: 1637
Creator: Knopf, Edwin H. Knopf, Mildred O.
Extent: 3.4 linear feet of papers.
Repository: Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages: English

Important Information for Users of the Collection

Access

Available by appointment only.

Publication rights

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.

Preferred Citation

Edwin H. and Mildred O. Knopf papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Acquisition Information

Gift of Wendy Cooper, 2011

Biography

Edwin H. Knopf was an American producer, screenwriter, and director active in film and television from 1923 to 1961. He spent the majority of his career producing films for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, most notably THE VALLEY OF DECISION (1945) and LILI (1953). Born in New York, Knopf studied acting and spent two years as co-producer with William P. Farnsworth of the Auditorium Theater Players in Baltimore, during which time Katharine Hepburn and Robert Montgomery both began their stage careers. Knopf moved to Hollywood in 1928, directing films for Paramount and Universal before becoming a producer, story editor, and screenwriter at MGM. Knopf was also a lyricist and playwright, and his play "Mr. Imperium" was turned into a film by MGM in 1951. Mildred Oppenheimer married Edwin Knopf in 1926. During World War II, she joined with Mrs. Louis B. Mayer to establish canteens to assist returning service men, eventually serving as the group's president. She went on to enjoy a successful career as a popular cookbook author.

Collection Scope and Content Summary

The Edwin H. and Mildred O. Knopf papers span the years 1911-2004 (bulk 1941-1969) and encompass 3.4 linear feet. The collection is comprised largely of bound scripts, most of which contain production photographs interleaved amongst the pages. Other material includes correspondence, an unfinished memoir, and personal photographs.

Arrangement

Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files; 2. Subject files.

Indexing Terms

Knopf, Edwin H. , 1899-1981--Archives.
Knopf, Mildred O.--Archives.
directors
producers
screenwriters