Archive of original Christmas gift lists for Cinedis film agency journalists

Paris: Cinedis, 1960. Archive of correspondence, gift lists, and journalist lists from representatives at Cinedis, notably Christian de la Maziere, briefly the impresario of press relations (and former Waffen-SS soldier), and Maryse Martres (Martin), who managed much of the company's press and advertising responsibilities. Text in French.

Represented in the archive are more than 50 leaves and an advertising catalog, including several checklists detailing the names of various associates who have contributed in some way to Cinedis, and a few notes of correspondence thanking de la Maziere and Martres for gifts received. Dates noted for gift lists include 1957-1958, 1958-1959, and 1959-1960, many with annotations in manuscript ink noting addresses, and some of the lists note in manuscript ink gift ideas for each recipient, being cravate (ties), bloc notes (note pads), montre (watch), crayon Balmain (pencils), echarpe (scarf), and other items. Regarding the budget for these gifts, several leaves detailing item costs are included, on Cinedis parchment, a few being requests from Martres for hard liquor (perhaps for the regular Christmas parties put on by Cinedis for its many patrons and employees).

Christian de la Maziere (1922-2006) was a journalist and member of the Charlemagne Division of the Waffen SS, and was featured in Marcel Ophuls 1969 documentary "The Sorrow and the Pity," discussing his role in WWII. He also worked for the fascist newspaper "Le Pays Libre" before joining Charlemagne, and in 1974 he wrote "The Captive Dreamer." His involvement at Vichy and the Waffen SS was pardoned before his career in press and film relations, and he apparently garnered some postwar celebrity.

Martres was a prolific French actress who was later involved in press relations in France, worked for Cinedis, the notable film agency, and managed much of the company's press and advertising responsibilities. Present in the collection are several checklists on Cinedis parchment, noting members of the agency and their children, and ideas for toy gifts for each child. Martres was in charge, no doubt, of the Christmas gift giving at Cinedis as well. Several negative film strips from a holiday party are also included.

Items range in size, the largest being 8.25 x 10.5 inches, the smallest being 3 x 7 inches (hotel stationery). Housed in gray paper folder, dated 1957-1960 in manuscript ink. Very Good plus overall.

Complete details available upon request.