Research Catalog

Details

Additional authors

1. Fontanne, Lynn
2. Ferber, Edna, 1887-1968
3. Wilder, Thornton, 1897-1975
4. Rodgers, Richard, 1902-1979
5. Lunt, Alfred
6. Cornell, Katharine, 1893-1974
7. Haydn, Richard, 1905-1985
8. Amherst, Jeffrey

Description

1. 3 lin. ft. (4 boxes, 7 scrapbooks).

Summary

1. The George Oppenheimer papers consist of correspondence, clippings, writings, research notes and annotated playbills from his professional career as a writer and drama critic. The papers span the years 1943-1977, though there is not much from his early professional career, only limited materials on his work during World War II. Of special note is the correspondence from famous personalities of stage and screen. The largest collection of letters is from Edna Ferber, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, however most of this correspondence is thankyou's for copies of his books or good performance reviews.

Subject

1. Oppenheimer, George, 1900-1977
2. Theater -- Reviews
3. Dramatic criticism
4. World War, 1939-1945 -- Journalism, Military

Genre/Form

1. Outlines.
2. Eulogies.
3. Awards.
4. Greeting cards.
5. Clippings.
6. Scrapbooks.
7. Playbills.

Call number

1. 8-MWEZ+ n.c. 25001-25011

Source (note)

1. Unknown

Biography (note)

1. George Oppenheimer, drama critic was born in New York City on February 7, 1900. He was co-founder of the Viking Press, a screenwriter for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, a playwright, author and editor. He wrote the play HERE TODAY (1932) and collaborated on numerous films, among them, DAY AT THE RACES, BROADWAY MELODY OF 1940, TWO-FACED WOMAN, and THE WAR AGAINST MRS. HADLEY, for which he received an Oscar nomination. He also wrote bookson theater including THE VIEW FROM THE SIXTIES and THE PASSIONATE PLAYGOER.
2. During World War II he served in India under Lord Mountbatten. There he wrote a column for the army newspaper entitled "India Ink" and was a staff member of the First Motion picture Unit SEAC. In this capacity Oppenheimer wrote, produced and directed training films and documentaries.
3. Oppenheimer was the drama critic for Newsday for many years and wrote for that publication until his death. He died on August 14, 1977.

Indexes/finding aids (note)

1. Finding aid available in repository
2. Catalog cards in Cage and Main catalog.

Processing action (note)

1. Cataloged

Author

1. Oppenheimer, George, 1900-1977.

Title

1. George Oppenheimer papers, 1943-1977.

Biography

1. George Oppenheimer, drama critic was born in New York City on February 7, 1900. He was co-founder of the Viking Press, a screenwriter for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, a playwright, author and editor. He wrote the play HERE TODAY (1932) and collaborated on numerous films, among them, DAY AT THE RACES, BROADWAY MELODY OF 1940, TWO-FACED WOMAN, and THE WAR AGAINST MRS. HADLEY, for which he received an Oscar nomination. He also wrote bookson theater including THE VIEW FROM THE SIXTIES and THE PASSIONATE PLAYGOER.
2. During World War II he served in India under Lord Mountbatten. There he wrote a column for the army newspaper entitled "India Ink" and was a staff member of the First Motion picture Unit SEAC. In this capacity Oppenheimer wrote, produced and directed training films and documentaries.
3. Oppenheimer was the drama critic for Newsday for many years and wrote for that publication until his death. He died on August 14, 1977.

Indexes

1. Finding aid available in repository: folder level control.
2. Catalog cards in Cage and Main catalog.

Connect to:

1. Request Access to Theatre Division Special Collections material
2. Finding Aid

Occupation

1. Theater critics.

Added author

1. Fontanne, Lynn.
2. Ferber, Edna, 1887-1968.
3. Wilder, Thornton, 1897-1975.
4. Rodgers, Richard, 1902-1979.
5. Lunt, Alfred.
6. Cornell, Katharine, 1893-1974.
7. Haydn, Richard, 1905-1985.
8. Amherst, Jeffrey.

Research call number

1. 8-MWEZ+ n.c. 25001-25011