Knopf (Edwin H. and Mildred O.) papers, 1911-2004, bulk 1941-1969

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Edwin H. and Mildred O. Knopf papers
Dates:
1911-2004, bulk 1941-1969
Creators:
Knopf, Edwin H. Knopf, Mildred O.
Extent:
3.4 linear feet of papers.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

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

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Wendy Cooper, 2011
Arrangement:

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

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Special Collections
Date Prepared:
© 2014
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from Inmagic. Date of source: July 14, 2014

Access and use

Restrictions:

Available by appointment only.

Terms of access:

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.

Location of this collection:
333 S. La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211, US
Contact:
(310) 247-3036 extension 2226