Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production and biography photographs
Special Collections
Margaret Herrick Library
© 2013
Title: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production and biography photographs
Date (inclusive): 1921-1973
Date (bulk): 1925-1973
Collection number: 1100
Creator:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Extent:
737 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 production and biography photographs, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences.
Gift of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc., 1979
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 production and biography photographs span the years 1921-1973 (bulk 1925-1973)
and encompass 737 linear feet consisting of approximately one million photographic prints. Nearly all of
the films were distributed by Metro-Goldwyn (1924-1925) or Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (1925-1973); a few pre-
1924 films were released by Metro, Goldwyn, or Goldwyn-Cosmopolitan. The feature films consist of scenes
from 1,665 motion pictures. Also included are off-camera photographs, portraits of players in character
and costume for their roles, as well as general publicity shots. The short films consist of scenes from
1,322 motion pictures, with occasional off-camera photographs, portraits of players in character and
costume for their roles, and general publicity shots. The MGM-distributed shorts include those produced
by MGM, those produced by Hal Roach between 1927 and 1937, and a small number of shorts produced
independently. Most of the MGM shorts were released as parts of various ongoing series, including
travelogues and animated cartoons. At least 50 of these series are represented, with familiar names such
as James FitzPatrick, Pete Smith Specialties and, beginning in 1938, MGM Cartoons. The biography files
contain portrait, candid, and general publicity photographs not relating to productions for 2,328
individuals. Actors and actresses, directors, writers, composers, executives, cinematographers,
producers, editors, and other motion picture craftpersons are among those depicted.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: Photographs, subseries A-C as follows: A. Motion picture production--
Feature Films, 1921-1973; B. Motion picture production--Short Films, 1927 to 1958; C. Biography, 1923-
1972
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer