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Freed (Arthur) papers
2151  
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Description
Arthur Freed was an American lyricist and producer, best known for his MGM musical productions of such films as "An American in Paris", "Singin' in the Rain", "Meet Me in St. Louis", and "Gigi". This collection comprises primarly film files (produced and unproduced), considered projects, playscripts and screenplays, phonograph albums, and artwork and stills. It also contains personal papers, correspondence and letters, awards, certificates and ephemera, and books and scrapbooks.
Background
Arthur Freed, born September 9, 1894 in Charlson, South Dakota, was an American lyricist and Hollywood film producer. Freed began his career in show business as a song plugger for a music publisher before appearing with the Marx Brothers in vaudeville. After serving in WWI (in which he acted as a performer in military shows and was a sergeant first class), Freed returned to vaudeville where he wrote songs and special material for nightclub revues. His first hit song was "I Cried for You". In 1923, he married Renee Klein, whom he met in San Francisco. A year later they had a daughter, Barbara, and had also moved to Los Angeles.
Extent
75 Linear Feet 62 boxes
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Cinematic Arts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Cinematic Arts Library 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.
Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.