Samuel Goldwyn, Polish-American film producer, co-founded Goldwyn Pictures (b. 1882)

Samuel Goldwyn: A Pioneering Visionary of Hollywood's Golden Age

Born Szmuel Gelbfisz on August 27, 1882, in Warsaw, Congress Poland (then part of the Russian Empire), Samuel Goldwyn, initially known as Samuel Goldfish, rose to become one of the most influential and iconic Polish-American film producers in the history of motion pictures. His remarkable journey from an immigrant selling gloves in upstate New York to a titan of Hollywood exemplified the American dream and profoundly shaped the nascent film industry.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Founding Hollywood Studios

Goldwyn's unparalleled entrepreneurial vision and relentless pursuit of artistic quality were instrumental in the establishment and evolution of several foundational motion picture studios in Hollywood. His contributions were pivotal in transforming cinema from a novelty into a sophisticated art form and a global industry.

• Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company (1913): In a groundbreaking partnership, Goldwyn co-founded this company with Jesse L. Lasky, Cecil B. DeMille, and Arthur Friend. This venture produced the first feature-length film made in Hollywood, The Squaw Man (1914), marking a significant turning point in film production. The company later became a cornerstone of what is known today as Paramount Pictures.
• Goldwyn Pictures Corporation (1916): Driven by a desire for greater creative control, Goldwyn established his own studio, Goldwyn Pictures. While he eventually left this company, its name and assets would famously merge in 1924 with Metro Pictures and Louis B. Mayer Pictures to form Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of the most legendary studios of Hollywood's Golden Age. It's important to note that despite the studio bearing his name, Samuel Goldwyn himself was not actively involved with MGM after its formation.
• Samuel Goldwyn Productions (1923): Following his departure from Goldwyn Pictures, Samuel Goldwyn launched his truly independent production company. It was through this venture that he cemented his legacy as a producer who prioritized quality over quantity, often financing his films independently and attracting top talent. This allowed him to maintain a unique artistic vision, free from typical studio constraints.

A Legacy of Cinematic Excellence and Innovation

As an independent producer, Goldwyn was renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, his insistence on high production values, and his keen eye for talent. He collaborated with acclaimed directors like William Wyler and produced numerous critically successful and commercially impactful films. His filmography includes classics such as Wuthering Heights (1939), The Little Foxes (1941), and the groundbreaking post-World War II drama The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and six other Oscars, including Best Director for William Wyler. Goldwyn's commitment to artistic integrity and narrative depth helped elevate the craft of filmmaking.

Beyond his professional achievements, Goldwyn was also known for his distinct personality and his famous "Goldwynisms" – often humorous malapropisms and insightful, albeit sometimes grammatically unique, remarks. Phrases like "Include me out" or "A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on" became legendary and added to his larger-than-life persona.

Accolades and Enduring Impact

Samuel Goldwyn's profound contributions to cinema were widely recognized throughout his career and beyond. He received some of the motion picture industry's most prestigious honorary awards, acknowledging his enduring impact and pioneering spirit.

• Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award (1947): Awarded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, this highly esteemed recognition celebrates producers whose body of work reflects a consistently high quality of motion picture production.
• Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (1958): Another distinguished honor from the Academy, this award acknowledged Goldwyn's significant humanitarian efforts and charitable work, demonstrating his commitment beyond the confines of the film industry.
• Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award (1973): Presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, this lifetime achievement award honored Goldwyn's outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment, marking a capstone to his illustrious career shortly before his passing on January 31, 1974.

Samuel Goldwyn's legacy endures as a testament to independent filmmaking, quality production, and the foundational development of Hollywood as the global center of cinema. His pioneering work continues to influence filmmakers and producers today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samuel Goldwyn

Who was Samuel Goldwyn?

Samuel Goldwyn (born Szmuel Gelbfisz) was a prominent Polish-American film producer, born in Warsaw in 1882, who became a foundational figure in Hollywood. He was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, his dedication to quality filmmaking, and for being a key executive in the establishment of several major motion picture studios.

What studios did Samuel Goldwyn co-found or establish?

Samuel Goldwyn co-founded the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company in 1913, which was a precursor to Paramount Pictures. He also established Goldwyn Pictures in 1916, whose name was later used in the formation of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), although he was not involved with MGM directly. His most significant independent venture was Samuel Goldwyn Productions, established in 1923, through which he produced many acclaimed films.

What was Samuel Goldwyn best known for as a film producer?

Goldwyn was best known for his unwavering commitment to producing high-quality, artistically significant films, often working as an independent producer. He prioritized storytelling, attracted top talent, and insisted on high production values. He is particularly recognized for producing classics like The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), which won multiple Academy Awards.

What major awards did Samuel Goldwyn receive?

Samuel Goldwyn received several prestigious awards, including the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1947 for consistent production quality, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1958 for his philanthropic efforts, and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1973 for his outstanding contributions to entertainment. These awards reflect his profound and lasting impact on the film industry.