Irving Thalberg
Irving Thalberg
=================
Full Name and Common Aliases
-----------------------------
Irving Grant Thalberg was born on May 30, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York. He is commonly known as the "Boy Wonder" of Hollywood.
Birth and Death Dates
------------------------
Born: May 30, 1899
Died: September 14, 1936 (age 37)
Nationality and Profession(s)
------------------------------
Thalberg was an American film producer, director, and screenwriter. He held dual citizenship as a naturalized citizen of the United States and a native-born citizen of Austria-Hungary.
Early Life and Background
---------------------------
Irving Thalberg's early life was marked by both financial struggles and great ambitions. His family moved to Los Angeles in 1910, where he would attend high school before dropping out to work in the film industry. He began as a production assistant at Universal Studios but quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional business acumen.
Major Accomplishments
------------------------
Thalberg's impact on Hollywood cannot be overstated:
Established Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM): Thalberg was instrumental in creating MGM, one of the most successful film studios in history. His vision for a vertically integrated studio led to its expansion into distribution and exhibition.
Pioneered the 'Star System': Thalberg recognized the value of cultivating talent within the studio system. He nurtured stars like Greta Garbo and Clark Gable, creating a loyal fan base that helped drive box office success.
Promoted Cinematic Innovation: Thalberg championed the use of sound in films, ensuring MGM's early adoption of this new technology. He also encouraged experimentation with narrative structures, special effects, and cinematic technique.Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
Some notable works from Thalberg's extensive career include:
A Woman of Paris (1923): A groundbreaking film showcasing the talents of Greta Garbo in a dramatic role.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939): Thalberg's final production, which would go on to win several Academy Awards.Impact and Legacy
----------------------
Irving Thalberg left an indelible mark on Hollywood:
Transformed the Film Industry: His innovative approach to studio management and his emphasis on quality over quantity helped redefine the film industry.
Paved the Way for Future Successors: Thalberg's influence can be seen in the work of later film moguls like William Wyler, Stanley Kubrick, and Steven Spielberg.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
------------------------------------------
Irving Thalberg is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Visionary Approach: His forward-thinking ideas about film production, distribution, and exhibition helped shape the industry.
Mastery of Business and Art: Thalberg's unique blend of creative vision and business acumen made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Enduring Legacy: His impact continues to be felt today, with many filmmakers drawing inspiration from his innovative approach to storytelling.
Quotes by Irving Thalberg
No story ever looks as bad as the story you’ve just bought; no story ever looks as good as the story the other fellow just bought.
Screen credit is valuable only when it’s given you. If you’re in a position to give yourself credit, you don’t need it.
What’s this business of being a writer. It’s just putting one word after another.
If it isn’t for the writing, we’ve got nothing. Writers are the most important people in Hollywood. And we must never let them know it.
The most important person in the motion picture process is the writer... and we must do everything in our power to prevent them from ever realizing it.
Screen credit is valuable only when it's given you. If you're in a position to give yourself credit, you don't need it.
What's this business of being a writer. It's just putting one word after another.
No story ever looks as bad as the story you've just bought; no story ever looks as good as the story the other fellow just bought.
