Are you a film enthusiast looking for the best movies to watch? Or maybe you’re an aspiring filmmaker who wants to learn from the masters of the craft.
Whatever your reason may be, it’s impossible to talk about great movies without mentioning the greatest film producers of all time. These are the people who have produced some of the most iconic and influential films in history, shaping the course of the industry and inspiring generations of filmmakers.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the greatest film producers of all time, their contributions to cinema, and what made them stand out from the rest.
IntroductionMovies have been an integral part of popular culture for over a century, and the film industry has seen many changes over the years. However, one thing that has remained constant is the importance of film producers.
Producers are the ones who bring a movie to life, from financing and casting to overseeing the whole production process and marketing the final product. They are the unsung heroes of cinema, working behind the scenes to make magic happen on the big screen.
The Role of Film ProducersBefore we delve into the list of the greatest film producers of all time, let us first understand the role they play in the filmmaking process.
A film producer is responsible for overseeing the entire production process, from the development of the script to the final edit. They are also responsible for hiring the cast and crew, securing funding, and making sure that the film is completed on time and within budget.
Without the guidance of a skilled producer, even the most talented directors and actors would be unable to bring their vision to life on the silver screen.
A great producer not only understands the creative process but also has the business acumen to manage the financial and logistical aspects of filmmaking.
What Does The Greatest Film Producers of All Time Mean?Let’s begin by defining what we mean by “great.” In the context of film production, a great producer is one who has made a significant impact on the industry through their work. This can be through creating critically acclaimed films, making box office hits, or pushing the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking.
There have been many great producers throughout the history of cinema, but we’ll be focusing on the ones who have had the most significant impact. These producers have changed the way we think about movies and their influence can still be seen in the films being made today.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the greatest film producers of all time.
The Greatest Film Producers of All TimeHere are the greatest film producers of all time who have left an indelible mark on the film industry, in no particular order:
David O. SelznickDavid O. Selznick is perhaps best known for producing “Gone with the Wind,” which is still considered one of the greatest films ever made. But Selznick’s impact on the film industry goes far beyond this one film. He was a producer who wasn’t afraid to take risks and was always pushing the boundaries of what was possible in filmmaking.
Some of Selznick’s other notable films include “Rebecca,” “Spellbound,” and “Duel in the Sun.” He was also instrumental in bringing Alfred Hitchcock to the United States, where he would go on to become one of the greatest filmmakers in history.
Irving ThalbergIrving Thalberg is often referred to as the “boy wonder” of Hollywood. He began his career in the film industry at the age of 17 and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most influential producers of his time. Thalberg was known for his ability to find and develop talent and for his commitment to creating films with high production values.
Some of Thalberg’s notable films include “Grand Hotel,” “Mutiny on the Bounty,” and “The Good Earth.” He was also instrumental in creating MGM, which would go on to become one of the most powerful studios in Hollywood.
Samuel GoldwynSamuel Goldwyn was one of the most successful independent producers of the post-war era. He began his career in the film industry in the silent era and went on to produce some of the most iconic films of the Golden Age of Hollywood. But it was in the post-war era that Goldwyn truly shone.
Some of Goldwyn’s notable post-war films include “The Best Years of Our Lives,” “The Bishop’s Wife,” and “Guys and Dolls.” Goldwyn was known for his attention to detail and his commitment to creating films with high production values.
Francis Ford CoppolaFrancis Ford Coppola is perhaps best known for producing “The Godfather” and its sequel, which are widely considered to be some of the greatest films ever made. But Coppola’s impact on the film industry goes far beyond these two films. He was a producer who was always pushing the boundaries of what was possible in filmmaking.
Some of Coppola’s other notable films include “Apocalypse Now,” “The Conversation,” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.” He was also instrumental in creating the American Zoetrope Studio, which helped to launch the careers of many young filmmakers.
Robert EvansRobert Evans began his career as an actor but soon transitioned to producing. He was known for his sharp instincts and his ability to identify projects that had the potential to be successful. Evans was instrumental in the success of some of the most iconic films of the New Hollywood era.
Some of Evans’ notable films include “Chinatown,” “The Godfather,” and “Rosemary’s Baby.” He was also known for his distinctive style and his ability to create films that were both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
Kathleen KennedyKathleen Kennedy is one of the most successful film producers working today. She began her career as an assistant to Steven Spielberg and has gone on to produce some of the most successful and critically acclaimed films of the modern era.
Kennedy is known for her ability to identify projects that have the potential to be successful and for her commitment to creating films with high production values.
Some of Kennedy’s notable films include the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” and “Jurassic Park.” She is also the president of Lucasfilm, where she has overseen the production of the “Star Wars” films.
Kevin FeigeKevin Feige is the president of Marvel Studios and is known for his role in creating the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Feige has been instrumental in bringing some of the most iconic superheroes to the big screen and has created a shared universe that has captivated audiences around the world.
Some of Feige’s notable films include “The Avengers,” “Black Panther,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.” He is also known for his attention to detail and his commitment to creating films that are true to the spirit of the comics.
Scott RudinScott Rudin is one of the most prolific film producers in Hollywood, having produced dozens of films over the course of his career.
He has won numerous awards for his work, including an Academy Award for “No Country for Old Men.” Rudin is known for his ability to attract top talent to his projects, as well as his willingness to take risks on unconventional films.
Jerry BruckheimerJerry Bruckheimer is one of the most successful film producers of all time, having produced some of the biggest hits in Hollywood history.
His films include the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, “Top Gun,” and “Armageddon.” Bruckheimer is known for his ability to create high-concept films that appeal to a wide audience.
Dino De LaurentiisDino De Laurentiis was one of the most influential film producers of the 20th century, having produced over 500 films in his career.
He is known for his work on classic films such as “La Strada” and “Serpico,” as well as more recent hits like “Hannibal” and “Red Dragon.” De Laurentiis was a pioneer in the film industry, helping to bring European cinema to a wider audience.
Joel and Ethan CoenJoel and Ethan Coen are two of the most talented filmmakers working today, known for their offbeat sense of humor and their ability to tell unique stories.
They have produced some of the most beloved films of the past few decades, including “Fargo,” “The Big Lebowski,” and “No Country for Old Men.” The Coen brothers are a testament to the power of collaboration, as their combined talents have produced some of the most memorable films of all time.
James CameronJames Cameron is one of the most innovative filmmakers of all time, known for his groundbreaking use of technology and his ability to create immersive worlds onscreen.
He has produced some of the highest-grossing films in history, including “Titanic” and “Avatar.” Cameron’s films are often epic in scale and ambition, and his influence on the film industry cannot be overstated.
Brian GrazerBrian Grazer is one of the most successful film producers of all time, having produced dozens of hit films over the course of his career.
He has won multiple Academy Awards for his work, including “A Beautiful Mind” and “Apollo 13.” Grazer is known for his ability to bring together talented filmmakers and actors, as well as his willingness to take risks on unconventional projects.
Laura ZiskinLaura Ziskin was one of the most influential women in Hollywood, having produced some of the most beloved films of the past few decades.
She was responsible for producing the “Spider-Man” franchise, as well as classic films like “Pretty Woman” and “As Good as It Gets.” Ziskin was a trailblazer in the film industry, paving the way for other women to succeed in what was traditionally a male-dominated field.
Joel SilverJoel Silver is one of the most successful producers in the action movie genre. He has produced some of the most iconic movies of the 1980s and 1990s, including “Die Hard“, “Lethal Weapon“, and “The Matrix“. Silver is known for his ability to create high-concept movies that are both thrilling and entertaining.
Graham KingGraham King is a producer who has worked on some of the most critically acclaimed movies of the last two decades. He has produced films such as “The Departed“, “Hugo“, and “Bohemian Rhapsody“, which have all won multiple Academy Awards.
King is known for his ability to identify and develop movies with strong artistic merit and for his commitment to working with some of the most talented directors and actors in the industry.
Lawrence BenderLawrence Bender is a producer who has worked on some of the most iconic films of the last few decades. He has produced movies such as “Pulp Fiction“, “Good Will Hunting“, and “An Inconvenient Truth“, which have all had a lasting impact on popular culture.
Bender is known for his ability to bring together talented actors and directors and for his commitment to creating movies with powerful social messages.
Albert R. BroccoliAlbert R. Broccoli, also known as Cubby Broccoli, was a film producer who is best known for producing the James Bond franchise.
He co-founded EON Productions with Harry Saltzman and produced 17 Bond films, starting with “Dr. No” in 1962.
Broccoli was known for his eye for talent, his dedication to the Bond brand, and his ability to adapt to changing times while maintaining the series’ signature style.
David HeymanDavid Heyman is a film producer who is best known for producing the “Harry Potter” film series, based on the books by J.K. Rowling.
Heyman also produced other acclaimed films, such as “Gravity” and “Marriage Story.” He is known for his close collaboration with directors and screenwriters, his passion for literary adaptations, and his ability to create immersive and authentic worlds on the screen.
George LucasGeorge Lucas is an American film producer, director, and screenwriter who is best known for creating the “Star Wars” franchise.
He is a visionary who has pushed the boundaries of filmmaking and has inspired countless filmmakers around the world. He has also produced other successful films, including the “Indiana Jones” series and “American Graffiti.”
ConclusionThe film industry has seen the rise of many great film producers over the years, from the early days of Hollywood to the modern era.
These producers have played a vital role in creating some of the most iconic films in history and have helped to shape the industry in countless ways.
From Francis Ford Coppola to Kathleen Kennedy, the greatest film producers of all time share a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to creating films that resonate with audiences around the world. Their contributions to the industry will be felt for generations to come.
So the next time you sit down to watch a great film, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the film producers who helped to bring it to life.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWho is considered the greatest film producer of all time?There is no one answer to this question, as different people will have different opinions. However, some of the most influential film producers in history include David O. Selznick, Steven Spielberg, and Kathleen Kennedy.
What makes a great film producer?A great film producer is someone who has a keen eye for talent, a strong sense of storytelling, and the ability to manage a film’s budget and production schedule. They also need to be able to work collaboratively with writers, directors, and actors to create a cohesive vision for the film.
How do film producers contribute to the success of a film?Film producers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a film’s production, from pre-production through post-production. They help to secure financing, hire the cast and crew, and manage the film’s budget and schedule. They also work with the director to ensure that the film stays true to their vision.
What are some challenges that film producers face?Film producers face a wide range of challenges, from securing financing to managing a large cast and crew. They also need to be able to navigate complex legal and financial issues and deal with unforeseen challenges that can arise during production.
How has technology changed the role of film producers?Technology has had a significant impact on the film industry, and film producers have had to adapt to these changes. New technologies have made it easier to create films with high production values, and digital distribution has made it possible to reach audiences around the world.
What qualities do the greatest film producers of all time share?The greatest film producers of all time share a strong sense of storytelling, a deep understanding of the film industry, and a commitment to creating films that are both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. They are also able to work collaboratively with writers, directors, and actors to bring their vision to life.
The average movie-going audience might be forgiven for not being able to name a given film’s producer, while still being able to rattle off the name of every actor and actress who performed in it. While actors are often the most visible creatives in cinema, it’s the producers who secure financing who often have the most creative control. The studio head or executive producer most often has the power to greenlight movies for production, and what’s more, in many cases influences casting, selects shooting locations, and helps choose the director.
Giggster researched the most prolific film producers of the 20th century and highlighted 25 with at least 10 feature credits to their name over a 25-year period from 1900 to 1999. To count, the film had to credit the producer as either a producer or a producer and executive producer.
Many of the producers on our list got their start in the early part of the 20th century when the studio system in Hollywood was still a fledgling industry. While demographics have started to shift in recent years, the film industry has historically been predominantly populated by white men with huge control over which movies get made. Therefore, it is less than surprising that this list reflects that inequity, notably during the early part of the 20th century. Of particular note, producer-director Spike Lee is the lone Black person on this list, while Kathleen Kennedy is the sole woman. If the history of Hollywood is one of spectacle and technological and visual expansion, it is also reflective of a long-held, but fortunately now fracturing tendency to keep women and minorities out of positions of power.
Read on for our list of the most influential and prolific producers of the 20th century, a period of influence that consolidated film genres, expanded and evolved the visual narrative, and served as a model for the kinds of movies made for popular audiences in this century.
Frederick M. Brown // Getty ImagesIn the 1980s, James L. Brooks wrote, directed, and produced award-winning and acclaimed films such as “Terms of Endearment” and “Broadcast News.” After a slump with the Nick Nolte dramedy “I’ll Do Anything,” 1997’s “As Good as It Gets” brought critical success and best acting Academy Awards for both Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson, respectively. Brooks is also known for producing TV shows such as “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in the 1970s, and currently, the long-running animated series “The Simpsons.”
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John Phillips // Getty ImagesMel Brooks is primarily known for writing and directing iconic slapstick comedies such as “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.” He also wrote, directed, and produced “High Anxiety,” “Spaceballs,” and 1993’s “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” He has also produced several Broadway adaptations of his film work, including “The Producers,” starring Matthew Broderick, and “Young Frankenstein.” He is reportedly executive producing a TV series follow-up to his 1981 film, “History of the World: Part I,” titled—wait for it—“History of the World: Part II.”
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty ImagesJerry Bruckheimer’s films were highly influential on the American film industry and its aesthetic style during the ’80s and ’90s. He produced iconic 1980s films with producing partner Don Simpson such as “Flashdance,” “Top Gun,” and the Beverly Hills Cop franchise. In the 1990s, Bruckheimer paired with director Michael Bay on “Bad Boys,” “The Rock,” and “Armageddon,” blockbusters with visually stunning action and violence. With more than 100 production credits to his name, Bruckheimer is presently involved in no less than 12 active projects as of May 2022, including sequels to the “Beverly Hills Cop” and “National Treasure,” as well as the Pirates of the Caribbean franchises.
Bettmann / Getty ImagesCharlie Chaplin’s film career was most prolific during the 1910s through the transition to sound in the early 1930s. He often wrote, directed, produced, and starred in silent films that fused adventure comedy with romance and pathos. Apart from portraying the Little Tramp character, he’s produced iconic silent films such as “The Circus” and “The Kid,” as well as a number of short films.
Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage // Getty ImagesDino De Laurentiis produced several films during the Italian neorealist movement in the postwar period before relocating to the U.S. where he founded a studio and began producing popular and cult hits. De Laurentiis produced the science fiction romp “Barbarella” in 1968 and in the 1970s found success with “Death Wish,” several creature features including “Orca,” and the 1976 remake of “King Kong.” He was known for popular horror and action films such as the Stephen King novel adaptations “The Dead Zone” and “Cat’s Eye” and Hannibal Lector films “Hannibal” and “Red Dragon.” He died in 2010 with 186 producing credits to his name.
Silver Screen Collection // Getty ImagesWalt Disney has hundreds of production credits and is primarily known for animated films and for founding Walt Disney Studios with his brothers in the 1920s. Disney conceptualized the Mickey Mouse character in 1928 and went on to spearhead feature-length animated films in addition to cartoon shorts throughout his career. 1937’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is regarded as a forerunner in the genre, and 1964’s “Mary Poppins” is a popular example of live-action with special effects animation, which Disney specialized in. Between full-length films and animated shorts, he was the producer on almost 700 projects—nearly all of them uncredited during his lifetime.
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Ray Mickshaw/WireImage // Getty ImagesRobert Evans was a studio head at Paramount before hands-on producing 1974’s acclaimed neo-noir “Chinatown” vaulted him to the very top echelon of film producers. He went on to produce the thriller “Marathon Man,” starring Dustin Hoffman, and in 1980 caught the zeitgeist with James Bridges’ John Travolta starrer “Urban Cowboy.” In 1990, Evans went back to the well to produce the “Chinatown” sequel “The Two Jakes,” which, though directed by star Jack Nicholson, did not live up to the success of the first film.
Archive Photos // Getty ImagesArthur Freed is best known for producing notable musicals throughout the 1940s and ’50s, including the iconic Gene Kelly vehicles “Singin’ in the Rain” and “An American in Paris.” He also produced popular backstage musicals centered around putting on a show such as “Babes in Arms” and “Babes on Broadway,” both starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney and directed by Busby Berkeley. Toward the end of his career, he also produced several Academy Awards ceremonies.
George Karger // Getty ImagesWorking through the early silent period through the golden age of Hollywood and into the mid-1950s, Samuel Goldwyn produced over 100 films, many of them highly acclaimed dramas. Goldwyn’s production company took the Best Picture Oscar for 1946’s “The Best Years of Our Lives,” known for its gritty realism and powerful acting. He was also responsible for the Cary Grant vehicle “The Bishop’s Wife” and the Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra musical “Guys and Dolls.”
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic // Getty ImagesBrian Grazer most recently produced 2021’s Oscar-nominated “Tick, Tick... Boom!” but got his start back in the 1980s, often partnering with director Ron Howard on films like “Splash” and “Parenthood.” The duo’s relationship carried over into the 1990s with hits such as “Backdraft,” “The Paper,” and “Apollo 13.” In the late 1990s, he produced “Liar Liar” starring Jim Carrey, as well as director Gus Van Sant’s shot-for-shot color remake of “Psycho.” He won the Best Picture Oscar in 2002 for producing Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind.”
Amanda Edwards/WireImage // Getty ImagesKathleen Kennedy began her career on 1982’s mega-hit “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and went on to produce some of the most iconic films of the 1980s and 1990s, including “The Goonies” and the Back to the Future series. She often works with director Steven Spielberg, having produced a number of his films including “The Color Purple,” “Empire of the Sun,” “Jurassic Park,” “War Horse,” and “Schindler’s List,” among others. She is currently head of Lucasfilm and serves as either producer or executive producer on all Lucasfilm content, including the Star Wars universe and the upcoming fifth Indiana Jones film.
Bettmann / Getty ImagesJesse L. Lasky is one of the most prolific producers of the silent era, producing several films per year, and spearheading the industry’s move to feature-length films. His productions popularized early cinema’s action plots centered on a love story with a melodramatic style. Lasky was part of the production team to win the Best Picture Oscar at the inaugural Academy Awards ceremony in 1929 for the movie “Wings,” an epic war romance featuring aircraft action.
Frazer Harrison // Getty ImagesSpike Lee’s first independent films in the 1980s—“She’s Gotta Have It” and “School Daze”—launched the director-producer as a major stylist. Lee writes, directs, acts in, and also produces his films, including the acclaimed “Do the Right Thing,” starring Samuel L. Jackson, Rosie Perez, and John Turturro. In the 1990s, Lee produced his own films such as “Jungle Fever” and “Malcolm X,” among others, as well as writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood’s “Love & Basketball.” Lee is also known for documentaries including “4 Little Girls” and “When the Levees Broke.” Lee won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for his 2018 film “Blackkklansman.”
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Known primarily as a writer and director for such films as “All About Eve” and “Cleopatra,” Joseph L. Mankiewicz was also a producer for several major studios throughout his career. One of his most iconic productions was 1940’s “The Philadelphia Story,” an adaptation of the stage play of the same name that became an influential romantic comedy centered on an independent, witty woman played by Katharine Hepburn and the men (Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart) who alternately desire and detest her.
Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS // Corbis via Getty ImagesLouis B. Mayer was a theater owner and distributor, notably of the racist 1915 film “The Birth of a Nation,” before moving into film production and co-founding MGM Studios in 1924. Mayer was the studio head, overseeing and approving all MGM productions and streamlining studio labor such as keeping actors under contract. “Gone with the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz” were banner MGM productions under Mayer’s tenure. During his reign in Hollywood, Mayer became known for taking production to new levels in scale and special effects.
Gareth Cattermole // Getty Images for BFIArnon Milchan’s credits include some of the most culturally iconic films of the last 40 years, including 1990’s “Pretty Woman,” the Oscar-nominated “L.A. Confidential,” and David Fincher’s “Fight Club.” Milchan seemingly had his hand in nearly every mid-budget movie since the early ’90s, and in this century produced such films as the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie action vehicle “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” Wes Anderson’s stop-motion animation “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” and another Fincher classic, 2014’s “Gone Girl.” Milchan was the executive producer on consecutive Best Picture Oscar winners including “12 Years a Slave” and “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).”
Charley Gallay // Getty Images for TCMWith nearly 100 production credits starting in the late 1940s, Walter Mirisch oversaw the iconic 1960 Western “The Magnificent Seven” and received an executive producer credit on the 2016 remake. He produced popular Hollywood films in every genre, including a slew of adventure films in the early 1950s like “The Lost Volcano” and “The Lion Hunters.” He won an Oscar for Best Picture for “In the Heat of the Night,” and produced the two sequels also starring Sidney Poitier.
Keystone // Getty ImagesThe Italian producer Carlo Ponti met actress Sophia Loren when she was just 15, launching her career as a movie star in such films as “Two Women” and “Marriage Italian Style.” Ponti produced over 150 films from the 1940s through the 1970s, including the work of Italian art directors like Michelangelo Antonioni (“Blow-Up”), and British auteur David Lean with the historical romance and Oscar-winning box office hit “Doctor Zhivago.”
Denver Post via Getty ImagesRobert B. Radnitz is known for producing sensitive adaptations of children’s literature including 1972’s “Sounder,” one of the first family films to center on a Black family. His productions featured a naturalist style and thematic storytelling that were popular with audiences. He also produced 1964’s “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” an adventure story focusing on an Indigenous girl alone on an island. Radnitz died in 2010.
John Springer Collection/CORBIS // Corbis via Getty ImagesDavid O. Selznick was involved in all aspects of production throughout his storied career, increasingly turning to epics and special effects spectacles like “King Kong” in 1933. He was responsible for adapting Margaret Mitchell’s bestselling novel “Gone with the Wind” for the screen, and later in his career worked with Alfred Hitchcock, with whom he collaborated on 1940’s “Rebecca” and “Spellbound” in 1945.
Aaron Rapoport/Corbis // Getty ImagesDon Simpson’s partnership with Jerry Bruckheimer produced some of the most high-octane action blockbusters of the 1980s and 1990s, including Tom Cruise vehicles “Top Gun” and “Days of Thunder,” the first two Beverly Hills Cop films, and director Tony Scott’s submarine thriller “Crimson Tide.” Simpson and Bruckheimer’s films have a distinctive style that favors flashy action alongside hit soundtracks. Just before his untimely death in 1996, Simpson oversaw the production of Michael Bay’s smash hit “The Rock.”
Hulton Archive // Getty ImagesHal B. Wallis has producer credits as varied as 1940s Humphrey Bogart classics “The Maltese Falcon” and “Casablanca” and numerous Elvis Presley films, starting with “Loving You” in 1957 and continuing with hits “King Creole” and “Blue Hawaii.” Wallis also produced several Westerns, notably “True Grit,” which earned John Wayne his only Best Actor Oscar, as well as a number of Jerry Lewis comedies, and the drama “Barefoot in the Park” starring actor Robert Redford in one of his first major roles.
Harry Benson/Daily Express // Getty ImagesKnown for producing expensive epics that were also box office flops such as 1948’s “Joan of Arc” and 1963’s “Cleopatra,” Walter Wanger produced for major studios as well as his own independent film company. Despite those aforementioned bits of bad box office luck, Wanger’s innovative vision brought several lasting classics to the screen between the 1930s and 1950s including “Stagecoach” and “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”
Hulton Archive // Getty ImagesOne of the four siblings who founded Warner Brothers Studios, Jack L. Warner took the hands-on role of executive producer, shepherding films through development to completion, including classics such as “Casablanca” and the noir melodramas “The Big Sleep” and “Mildred Pierce.” He went uncredited (but bore a significant influence) on the 1954 Judy Garland comeback hit “A Star Is Born.” After scores of dramas and gangster films during the classic period, two of the final films of Warner’s career were the 1960s musicals “My Fair Lady” and “Camelot.”
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Pictorial Parade // Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesDarryl F. Zanuck led a storied career as a writer and producer, often uncredited, while heading 20th Century Films (in the pre-Fox days) during the heyday of the golden Hollywood era. Zanuck started his career during the silent era, and influenced early genres such as the gangster film and the musical, overseeing classics “The Public Enemy” and “42nd Street.” Known for churning out popular films with noteworthy stars, he won Best Picture Oscars for “All About Eve” and “The Longest Day.”