Screenwriter (1892–1950) who wrote 155 films, including Universal’s Phantom of the Opera. DS seven pages, 8.5 x 13, March 8, 1923. Employment agreement between Schrock and Universal Studios. The studio hires Schrock as “a continuity and scenario writer, and writer of original stories.” Contract is for one year, with Schrock receiving a salary of $300.00 per week. He also agrees to not work on any non-Universal projects without permission, assumes no ownership to anything he writes, and he may be loaned out to other studios if necessary. Agreement also provides two one-year extensions, with Schrock’s salary eventually reaching $500.00 per week. Signed on the last page by Schrock and also signed by studio president Carl Laemmle. Schrock has also initialed the document twice on the second page. Agreement is still stapled into its original legal folder. In fine condition, with expected document wear.
Schrock would be with Universal from 1923–1926, with his most famous work coming in 1925 for his adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s novel Phantom of the Opera. Universal president Carl Laemmle was presented a copy of his book, which the studio head read in one night, and immediately purchased the film rights with Lon Chaney in mind for the Phantom. The first cut of the film opened to mixed reviews, with Schrock and Elliot Clawson re-writing several scenes, for a second release, and again the film was panned. Finally, a third cut was filmed and released in the fall of 1925 to rave reviews on both coasts. Despite production issues, including Lon Chaney and director Rupert Julian barely on speaking terms, the film was a financial success, and pushed Universal to green light a long string of horror classics, including Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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