A historical gathering of Encyclopaedia Britannica Films alumni at Larry Yust's Los Angeles home, April, 2006.  L to R: Bill Deneen, Geoff Alexander, Warren Everote, Milan Herzog, Bert Van Bork, Tom Smith, Larry Yust, Isidore Mankofsky, Charles Benton, Chuck Finance.  Photo by Iris Shimada.

Nearing the age of 100, Milan Herzog, who has probably produced, at an estimated 400 titles, more academic films than anyone in history, is a national treasure.  Born in Vrbovec, Croatia, on August 23-24, 1908, Milan’s greatest influence in film was as Encyclopaedia Britannica Films’ Vice President of Production, where he influenced, supported, and befriended filmmakers such as Chuck Finance, Tom Smith, Bert Van Bork, and Larry Yust. 

Milan has had an exceptionally rich life, and his pre-film memoirs could easily fill several volumes.  Prior to his film career, he was a judge, foreign newspaper correspondent, Department Head at the U.S. Office of War Information, and commentator for the Voice of America. 

A citizen of the United States since 1940, Milan began his career at Encyclopaedia Britannica Films in 1946 as a staff producer.  Highlights of his producing career include extensive series of foreign language instruction films (La Familia Fernández and Je Parle Français), and over 60 films on Humanities subjects. 

Milan can boast several “firsts”. His Medieval films from the early 1950s were among the first academic historical films to use costumed actors, and his Christmas Rhapsody (1955) is the first film to utilize a musical score comprising a children's orchestra and chorus.

In 1958-1959, Milan served as an advisor to the fabled Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC), and produced a film for them as well.  He co-founded the North Shore Community Theatre in Evanston, Illinois, wrote a three-act play, and served on the board of Charles Benton’s Films Incorporated. 

Now approaching his 100^th birthday, Milan is a legendary raconteur with an outstanding memory (we asked him about the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, which began World War I: he remembered it), and witty and insightful commentaries on past and present events, people, and films.  He attributes his longevity to “choosing good parents”, and lives in Los Angeles with wife Shanta, close to the industry to which he has contributed so much. 

Milan’s filmography remains a work in progress, but we’ve documented the lion’s share of it.  To get to know the man more personally, read Leo Dratfield’s 1980 interview with Milan. 

- Geoff Alexander, 2006

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