Description
The collection comprises correspondence between Ernst Jaeger and filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl, starting in the 1950s to the
1970s as well as screenplays, manuscripts and other correspondence from Ernst Jaeger. Blending audio recordings, photographs
and correspondence, the cinematic memorabilia offers insight into the tumultuous relationship of the one-time colleagues,
revealing how Riefenstahl coped emotionally and financially with her unenvious status as a social pariah following Germany's
World War II defeat. Materials that include letters in her own handwriting are an invaluable source for her perspective on
life after the war, and they shed light on the reputation of her films and their importance as part of fascist propaganda.
Many of the postcards and letters in the collection are in her native German, though many have been translated into English.
This discrete but rich collection not only provides insight into Leni Riefenstahl's personal and financial worries, but also
details her relationship with her former collaborator and mentor, Ernst Jaeger. While the first part of the collection focuses
on the relationship between Riefenstahl and Jaeger, the second part mainly focuses on Jaegers work in the US. Several manuscripts
for screenplays as well as his personal and business correspondence highlight Jaeger's efforts in finding work and recognition
in the film business.
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Exile Studies Librarian
at ullmann@usc.edu. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items
and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.