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Biography of Broadway's Greatest Producer: Screen Classics

Jermaine Powell

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Published in Ziegfeld And His Follies: A Biography Of Broadway S Greatest Producer (Screen Classics)

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In the heart of the bustling theater district of New York City, there lived a man whose vision and passion transformed the world of entertainment forever. David O. Selznick, a pioneer in the field of motion picture production, left an indelible mark on Broadway and Hollywood, creating some of the most iconic and beloved films of all time.

Early Life and Career

David O. Selznick was born on May 10, 1899, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From an early age, he exhibited a keen interest in the performing arts. After graduating from Yale University, he pursued a career in the theater, working as a stage manager and producer.

Ziegfeld and His Follies: A Biography of Broadway’s Greatest Producer (Screen Classics)

by Cynthia Brideson

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7262 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	526 pages

In 1923, Selznick moved to Hollywood and began working as a producer for Paramount Pictures. He quickly rose through the ranks, producing a series of successful films, including The Ten Commandments (1923),Intermezzo (1939),and Gone with the Wind (1939).

Broadway Success

In 1932, Selznick returned to Broadway to produce a stage adaptation of the novel Dinner at Eight. The play was a huge success, running for over a year and establishing Selznick as a major force in the theater world.

Over the next several years, Selznick produced a string of hit shows on Broadway, including The Philadelphia Story (1939),The Women (1936),and Stage Door (1936). These productions showcased Selznick's knack for identifying and developing talented stars, including Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Ginger Rogers.

Hollywood Legend

In 1937, Selznick returned to Hollywood and founded his own production company, Selznick International Pictures. Under this banner, he produced some of the most iconic films in cinematic history, including Gone with the Wind (1939),Rebecca (1940),and Spellbound (1945).

Gone with the Wind, a sweeping epic set during the American Civil War, became one of the highest-grossing films of all time and won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Selznick's films were known for their lavish production values, attention to detail, and unforgettable performances. He had a keen eye for talent and was instrumental in launching the careers of numerous stars, including Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Ingrid Bergman.

Personal Life

David O. Selznick was married three times. His first two marriages ended in divorce. In 1948, he married Jennifer Jones, an Academy Award-winning actress. They had three children together.

Selznick was a complex and driven man who struggled with both physical and mental health issues. He suffered from heart problems and alcoholism, and he attempted suicide on several occasions.

Legacy

David O. Selznick died on June 22, 1965, at the age of 66. He left behind a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences around the world.

Selznick's films earned a total of 137 Academy Award nominations and 39 wins. He is considered one of the most successful and influential producers in the history of cinema.

Selznick's work not only entertained audiences but also pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. He helped to establish the modern Hollywood blockbuster and raised the bar for quality in film production.

David O. Selznick was a visionary producer whose passion for storytelling shaped the Golden Age of Hollywood. Through his Broadway triumphs and cinematic masterpieces, he created a lasting legacy that continues to captivate and inspire generations of artists and moviegoers.

Ziegfeld and His Follies: A Biography of Broadway’s Greatest Producer (Screen Classics)

by Cynthia Brideson

4 out of 5