Edward Ward papers, 1891-1961, bulk Bulk, 1925-1955

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Summary

Creators:
Ward, Edward, 1896-1971
Abstract:
This collection contains the manuscript scores of film composer Edward Ward. A large part of the collection consists of conductor's scores, vocal scores, lyrics, lead sheets and sketches for various films that Ward was involved in. Also included and of possible interest are Ward's contracts and royalty agreements with film studios, such as Universal, MGM, Warner Bros., and Allied Artists, and music publishers; cue sheets; and various legal documents. Personal materials include photographs, fan mail, and correspondence.
Extent:
8.0 linear ft. (5 flat boxes and 6 oversize flat boxes)
Language:
and Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Edward Ward Papers (Collection PASC-M 16). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of conductor's scores, vocal scores, lead sheets, in manuscripts or manuscript facsimiles, for films that Ward worked on, as well as musical sketches, printed sheet music, production notes, cue sheets, correspondence, and photographs. Also included are contracts and royalty agreements with motion picture studios, such as Universal, MGM, Allied Artists, and Warner Brothers, and music publishers, as well as legal documentation relating to various court cases and the incorporation of Ward's own production agency.

Biographical / historical:

Edward Ward (born April 3, 1896) was a composer and songwriter who worked for various Hollywood film studios in the 1930s and 1940s. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he attended the Beethoven Conservatory in his hometown. Ward worked in the music department at MGM from 1935 to 1940, United Artists from 1940 to 1943, and Universal from 1943 to 1945. Throughout his career, he was nominated for seven Academy Awards, the last of which was for his best- known work, The Phantom of the Opera (1943). Other films include South of Pago Pago (1930), Mannequin (1937), The Women (1939), Tanks A Million (1941), and Cheers for Miss Bishop (1941). He also worked in the MGM music department on films such as Camille (1936) and The Good Earth (1937), and with RKO Radio Pictures for It's A Wonderful Life (1946). Ward also conducted for the stage; he was involved with the Broadway production of "The Red Mill" during its entire run from October 1945 to January 1947, and for the London revue "Clowns in Clover". Later in his career, he served as a film executive. He died on September 26, 1971 in Hollywood, California.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Alvin G. Manuel.
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series:

  • Series 1. Film Music
  • Series 2. Legal and personal materials.

Physical location:
Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Library Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.

Terms of access:

Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Edward Ward Papers (Collection PASC-M 16). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
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