The memorabilia and business records of an American-based importer of European films, active from 1919 to 1926. The collection contains press materials, including pressbooks, programs, flyers, and ads; American and European trade publications and house organs; informational material about the workings of the American film distribution system; and extensive records regarding Herz’s efforts, not always successful, to secure American distribution for European film product, including correspondence, contracts, and financial statements. There appears to be good coverage for many German, Austrian and Hungarian films, ranging from classics such as NOSFERATU to more obscure and not well-documented films, such as LA VOYANTE (THE CLAIRVOYANT), Sarah Bernhardt’s last film, completed after her death; THE TRUTH ABOUT RUSSIA, a documentary; and a 1920 Austrian version of THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER directed by Alexander Korda. There appears to be extensive material about an American-born actress named Fern Andra, who studied with Max Reinhardt in Vienna and subsequently went on to work for UFA in Berlin as an actress, director and producer. Prior to its acquisition, the collection had been stored in an attic in a New York apartment in which Herz had been a roomer, apparently packed away and untouched for more than 80 years.

Vladimir Herz was a Yugoslavian-born, New York-based entrepreneur who, from approximately 1919 through 1926, was engaged in the importation of European films for the American market. He arrived in the United States in 1909 and petitioned for naturalization in 1923. He operated the Herz Film Corporation in New York City for the import and export of motion pictures. Based on evidence within the collection, he may have also been employed at the Paramount exchange in Philadelphia at one time.