After art school training, Fredric Putnam Hope (1900-37) became a draughtsman in the film industry, working his way up through set decoration to art director. He spent most of his career at MGM, before succumbing to complications following routine surgery at the age of 37.
Hope frequently worked as associate director alongside Cedric Gibbons and others. He and Gibbons shared the 1934 Academy Award for their work on the MGM musical The Merry Widow.
Hope also designed Hollywood Party, The Night is Young and, shortly before his death, Maytime.
