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In 1947, Reliance Pictures, headed by Small's son Ben and Ben Pivar, signed an agreement with [[20th Century Fox]] to release six films starting with ''Strange Penalty'', based on the story ''Lady from Shanghai'', starring [[Alan Curtis (American actor)|Alan Curtis]] and directed by [[Jean Yarbrough]].
In 1947, Reliance Pictures, headed by Small's son Ben and Ben Pivar, signed an agreement with [[20th Century Fox]] to release six films starting with ''Strange Penalty'', based on the story ''Lady from Shanghai'', starring [[Alan Curtis (American actor)|Alan Curtis]] and directed by [[Jean Yarbrough]].
<ref>VAN HEFLIN TO STAR IN FILM FOR METRO: Gets Lead in 'Upward to Stars,' Story by Charles Martin -- Ava Gardner in Cast
<ref>VAN HEFLIN TO STAR IN FILM FOR METRO: Gets Lead in 'Upward to Stars,' Story by Charles Martin -- Ava Gardner in Cast
By THOMAS F. BRADYSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 10 Oct 1947: 32. </ref>
By THOMAS F. BRADYSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 10 Oct 1947: 32. </ref> They later made ''[[The Creeper]]'' (1948).<ref>Two Meetings Slated for AIME Groups
Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 08 Mar 1948: 14.</ref>


===Return to United Artists===
===Return to United Artists===

Revision as of 04:10, 26 May 2013

For the Gambian politician, see Edward Francis Small.

Edward Small (born Edward Schmalheiser, February 1, 1891, Brooklyn, New York – January 25, 1977, Los Angeles, California) was a film producer from the late 1920s through 1970, who specialised in low budget movies and was enormously prolific.

Career

Small, the son of Jewish Austrian-born Philip Schmalheiser and Prussian-born Rose Lewin, began his career as a talent agent in New York City. In 1917, he moved his agency to Los Angeles. Among his acting clients was a young Hedda Hopper.[1]

Asher Small Rogers

Small began producing films in the 1920s, when it became his full-time occupation. He worked for the company of Asher, Small and Rogers, where he was a partner with Charles Rogers and E.M Asher.[2][3]

"Picture making is a youngster's game," he said in 1926. "When a man gets older he doesn't want to take a chance to try something new. And this business moves so fast that if you don't change your methods with every picture you're out of luck. In a few years I won't have a thing to do with the creative Afraid, I'll hire young men with plenty of nerve to handle that for me."[4]

He had much early success producing comedies. "Making a comedy requires far more care than is necessary for any other form of screen production because audiences are more exacting than in any other form of entertainment."[5]

In early 1928 Asher Small Rogers dissolved. However they then re-teamed and started producing films;[6] towards the end of the year they invested in a studio complex in Sherman Oaks.[7]

Reliance Pictures

In 1932, Small formed Reliance Pictures together with Joseph Schenck and Harry M. Goetz.

Small produced a number of economically produced films, mostly released through United Artists, including The Count of Monte Cristo (1934).

In 1935 he announced plans to make a series of 4,000 feet films (i.e. short features) based on short stories and novelettes as an alternative to the double bill.[8]

RKO

After making The Last of the Mohicans , Small left United Artists and established himself as an associate producer at RKO in January 1936.[9] The studio essentially bought out Reliance.[10] [11] Small said he was motivated by the move to make larger budgeted movies, including Robber Barons (which became The Toast of New York), Son of Monte Cristo, Gunga Din and a series of Jack Oakie comedies. Small:

I intend to produce a different type of historical productions. There will be less of the awesomeness and less of the blind respect that has often marked the modern's approach to a historical character. Diamond Jim and The Story of Louis Pasteur are only the beginning. Napoleon, Marie Antoinette, and Mary of Scotland, contemplated, will be great steps in the direction of honesty. We have on our schedules the filming of the stories of Beau Brummell and Jim Fisk and we are contemplating a minimum of punch-pulling. Newsreels are telling the truth about people, showing them as they are. Feature pictures are going to do the same thing; they will make men and women out of celebrities. [12]

Small's time at RKO resulted in six pictures: The Bride Walks Out (1936), We Who Are About to Die (1937), Sea Devils (1937), New Faces of 1937 (1937), Super-Sleuth (1937) (with Jack Oakie) and The Toast of New York (1937). Some of these performed well but others were less successful, particularly the expensive The Toast of New York, which was RKO's biggest money losing picture of 1937. However he did sell the studio his rights to Gunga Din which he had purchased from the Rudyard Kipling estate in 1936 and became a big hit later on. He made Son of Cristo later and never produced a Beau Brummel film. Small departed from RKO in 1938.[13]

Edward Small Productions

In January 1938 Small returned to United Artists with his own unit, Edward Small Productions, under a three year deal to make six films a year.[14][15] The following year he announced plans to make seven films worth $5 million over the next 12 months.[16] Plans for some of these were delayed due to war[17] but he made most of them including one of his best known works, The Man in the Iron Mask (1939). He would continue to make swashbucklers throughout the 1940s and 1950s.

In 1940 Small stopped making movies for six months as he renegotiated his deal with United Artists. He recommenced production in early 1941 with a popular adaptation of The Corsican Brothers.[18] He made five more movies for United Artists ending with Miss Annie Rooney then in March 1942 threatened to strike again due to unhappiness with his deal.[19] Small and United Artists managed to come to terms and he produced a fresh series, including a series of farces such as Getting Georgie's Garter (1945). He left United Artists in 1945.

Eagle Lion

In the late 1940s Small moved over to Eagle Lion and made a number of films including T-Men and Raw Deal.

In 1947, Reliance Pictures, headed by Small's son Ben and Ben Pivar, signed an agreement with 20th Century Fox to release six films starting with Strange Penalty, based on the story Lady from Shanghai, starring Alan Curtis and directed by Jean Yarbrough. [20] They later made The Creeper (1948).[21]

Return to United Artists

In 1950 Small returned to United Artists. In 1952 he signed a contract with them that resulted in 75 films over the next ten years. Most of these movies were budgeted between $100,000 and $300,000, and were not expected to make large profits on theatrical release but stood to earn considerable money being sold to television. They were usually shot within seven to nine days and went for around seventy minutes, starring lesser ranked names who were paid around $25,000. Most of the films were Westerns and crime melodramas; towards the end of the 1950s he increasingly made films aimed at the teenage market. The market for these films dried up in the early 1960s.[22]

Though still releasing films through United Artists, Small formed an arrangement with Columbia Pictures where he made eleven films over seven years where Columbia allowed him profit sharing after Columbia made up their investment in the film.[23]

In 1950 Small sold a package of 26 films he produced to show on American television through his Peerless Television Productions.[24]

Small later served as chairman of the board of the TV distribution company Television Programs of America whose shows include Private Secretary, Fury, 'Captain Gallant of the Foreign Legion, Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans, Halls of Ivy and 'Ramar of the Jungle. In 1957 he sold his interest in the company for $1.5 million.[25]

He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his television work located at 1501 Vine Street.[26]

His mausoleum is at Beth Olam Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Select Filmography

Unmade Films

Films Developed by Small Made by Others

External links

References

  1. ^ Sea Movie Will Mark Pidgeon Film Return Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963) [Chicago, Ill] 06 Jan 1961: b12.
  2. ^ Nils Worked Days, Nights and Was Ill Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 29 Apr 1928: C13.
  3. ^ LOEW'S INAUGURATE CHANGE Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 05 Nov 1926: A11.
  4. ^ SMALL 'PICKS THE WINNERS': Discoverer of Many Favorites Plans "Quickies" With Unknown Casts to Unearth New Talent Miller, Barbara. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 05 Dec 1926: C18.
  5. ^ AMERICAN AUDIENCES REVISE IDEA OF VIRTUE AND COMEDY Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 14 Nov 1926: C23
  6. ^ FLASHES: PRODUCERS REUNITED ASHER SMALL AND ROGERS ANNOUNCE PLANS Kingsley, Grace. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 23 Mar 1928: A8.
  7. ^ SOUND STUDIOS ANNOUNCED: Plant to Cost $750,000 Will be Constructed in Studio City-Sherman Oaks District Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 16 Dec 1928: E2.
  8. ^ a b HOLLYWOOD DATE-LINE By DOUGLAS W. CHURCHILL.HOLLYWOOD.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 24 Nov 1935: X5.
  9. ^ Robert Donat, Jack Oakie and Other Stars to Glisten on R.-K.-O. Program: Small Closes Deal for Reliance Films Kiepura's Next European Feature in Charge of "Casta Diva" Director; Jean Arthur and Melvyn Douglas to Join Talents Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 27 Jan 1936: A15.
  10. ^ Agreement Reached With Robert Donat, Now Abroad, to Come Here for Film: Old Contract May Complicate Matters Fans Mob Bette Davis in East--Studio Puts Her in "Mountain Justice;" John Boles Most Likely Choice for Alessandro Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 31 Mar 1936: 9.
  11. ^ A FILM COMBINATION.: R.K.O. Radio Studios to Release All Reliance Pictures. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 27 Jan 1936: 20.
  12. ^ Switching Around of Movie Executives Goes On and On: Transfer Companies Do Booming Business as Film Bosses Move From One Lot to Another, With All Assistants Scott, John. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 02 Feb 1936: C1
  13. ^ Richard B. Jewell, RKO Radio Pictures: A Titan is Born, Uni of California Press 2012 p 155
  14. ^ NEWS OF THE SCREEN: Edward Small Returns to Produce at United Artists--'Mannequin' Opens Here at Capitol Today Coast Scripts Of Local Origin Elektra' Is Repeated Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 20 Jan 1938: 19.
  15. ^ a b "Christmas Carol" Will Ring Out Ere Yuletide: "Beau Brummell" Slated Wanger-Dieterle Deal Donat Signs for Term Hope Hampton Records Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 23 May 1938: A14.
  16. ^ Early Day Film Producer Dies: John F. Miller Also Served as Reporter; Led Veteran Activities Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 25 May 1939: A22.
  17. ^ PRODUCERS GIRD FOR WAR: The Cinema Capital Contemplates Its Probable Effects Upon the Industry By DOUGLAS W. CHURCHILL. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 10 Sep 1939: X3.
  18. ^ a b Columbia Signs Ida Lupino to Play Role of Ellen Creed in 'Ladies in Retirement': HISTORICAL FILM IS DUE De Mille's 'Land of Liberty' to Open at Criterion -- 'Play Girl' Listed at Palace Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 29 Jan 1941: 21.
  19. ^ SOME NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEST COAST: Fox Has Its First War Experience With Navy Censors -- Mr. Small Shuts Down By THOMAS F. BRADYHOLLYWOOD.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 22 Mar 1942: X3.
  20. ^ VAN HEFLIN TO STAR IN FILM FOR METRO: Gets Lead in 'Upward to Stars,' Story by Charles Martin -- Ava Gardner in Cast By THOMAS F. BRADYSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 10 Oct 1947: 32.
  21. ^ Two Meetings Slated for AIME Groups Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 08 Mar 1948: 14.
  22. ^ Tino Balio, United Artists: The Company That Changed the Film Industry, Wisconsin Press, 1987 p 120-124
  23. ^ pp.135-6 Dick, Bernard F. The Merchant Prince of Poverty Row: Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures University Press of Kentucky
  24. ^ http://books.google.com.au/books?id=UyAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=%22eagle+lion+sell+films+to+television%22&source=bl&ots=g_VhGTz66e&sig=yHR9Y5_Ni8aNlp3nhK3Yw7p_44U&hl=en&ei=9M1UTdq5NoXBccKGlacF&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false
  25. ^ SMALL DISPOSES OF TV INTERESTS: Sells Share of T.P.A. Film Concern to Milton Gordon --Robinson Bout on Air By VAL ADAMS. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 07 Aug 1957: 39.
  26. ^ Allmovie
  27. ^ FLASHES: PRODUCERS REUNITED ASHER SMALL AND ROGERS ANNOUNCE PLANS Kingsley, Grace. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 23 Mar 1928: A8.
  28. ^ Noted Director Also Sculptor Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 10 Sep 1932: A7.
  29. ^ Herbert Mundin Enjoys His Job in 'Cavalcade': Grows Red Whiskers to Play the Butler. Shaffer, George. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963) [Chicago, Ill] 30 Sep 1932: 19.
  30. ^ United Artists a Little Ahead for The Time of Year The Washington Post (1923-1954) [Washington, D.C] 12 Feb 1933: S5.
  31. ^ a b United Artists a Little Ahead for The Time of Year The Washington Post (1923-1954) [Washington, D.C] 12 Feb 1933: S5.
  32. ^ Success of Song Features Results in Five-Picture Offer for Lawrence Tibbett: Big Plans Ahead for Famous Opera Singer Walter Wanger Out to Sign Formidable Group of Movie Names; "The Great Ziegfeld" Not to Start Until November Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 25 Sep 1934: 19.
  33. ^ Eight Music Publishers in International Tie-up for Expected Opera Cycle: Meyer Appointed to Negotiate All Sales Fay Wray Wins Star Role in "Mills of the Gods;" Selznick Signs Clemence Dane; Joe Morrison in "Win or Lose" Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 08 Oct 1934: 15.
  34. ^ Timeliness Declared Vital in Selecting Story Plots Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 07 Aug 1935: 12.
  35. ^ a b United Artists, Despite the Loss of Twentieth Century, Sees Big Season Ahead: Many Pictures Scheduled for Early Release British Studios Help Out; At Circus Coincidence; Amusement Jottings. (Reprinted from Yesterday's Last Edition.) By Nelson B. Bell.. The Washington Post (1923-1954) [Washington, D.C] 14 June 1935: 20.
  36. ^ ANNOUNCES NEW FILMS.: Reliance Studios Executive Tells of Year's Plans. Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 22 Aug 1935: 20.
  37. ^ Walter Connoolly Summoned East to Play Lead in "Soak the Rich" Picture: Player to Work for Hecht, MacArthur Edward Small Will Star George Houston in Saga of California Indians; Rudy Vallee to Stay in East for Next Production Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 28 Sep 1935: 5.
  38. ^ First American Cinema Version of "Beggar's Opera" Planned by Reliance: Houston Mentioned as Chief Character Joan Bennett Will Emote Opposite Ronald Colman in "Man Who Broke the Bank;" William Powell Film Announced Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 20 Aug 1935: 19.
  39. ^ James Flood and Edward Small Split Over 'Coast Patrol' -- Cantor for Winchell-Bernie Film. Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 14 Oct 1936: 31.
  40. ^ STUDIO AND SCREEN: Successful Revivals--Return of Valentino--Old Films and New Productions The Manchester Guardian (1901-1959) [Manchester (UK)] 07 July 1938: 12.
  41. ^ SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD: RKO and United Artists Seek Anna Neagle--Metro Plans Remake of 'Desert Song' NEW ROLE FOR MISS FAYE Slated for 'Life of William Tell'--Goldwyn Prepares to Film 'Beach Boy' Plans for Alice Faye Coast Scripts Of Local Origin Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 22 Nov 1938: 26.
  42. ^ SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD: Edward Small Plans to Make 'The Maginot Line'--Louis Hayward Will Be Star IF I WERE KING' TO OPEN Premiere at Paramount Today to Feature Ronald Colman and Basil Rathbone Jack London Story for Screen Of Local Origin Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 28 Sep 1938: 29.
  43. ^ DRAMA: 'Sleepy Hollow' Tale to Promote 'Classics' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 14 Oct 1939: A7.
  44. ^ a b Marshall Will Play in 'My Son, My Son': Europe Lures Notables Students Belittle Stars Tommy Kelly Assigned Ann Sheridan's New Role Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 28 Mar 1939: 15.
  45. ^ HOLLYWOOD'S PROMISES FOR 1940: COMING-OF-AGE OF UNITED ARTISTS The Scotsman (1921-1950) [Edinburgh, Scotland] 09 Jan 1940: 9.
  46. ^ SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD: 'Attack' Purchased by Fox-- George Murphy Assigned to 'Little Nellie Kelly' FOUR FILMS THIS WEEK Tom Brown's School Days' at Music Hall and 'Fugitive' at Rialto on Thursday Of Local Origin By DOUGLAS W. CHURCHILL Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 24 June 1940: 19.
  47. ^ Newlyweds Ball, Arnaz Will Costar for R.K.O.: Small Ticketing Donlevy Jinx Falkenberg in Lead Judy Canova Re-signed Movie Vamp Trio Named Nils Asther Assigned Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 12 Mar 1941: 12.
  48. ^ WHILE THE Films REEL BY Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 11 Jan 1942: C3.
  49. ^ a b DRAMA AND FILM: New 'Monte Cristo' Feature Announced John Garfield, John Ridgely Will Join Cary Grant in 'Destination Tokyo' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 18 June 1943: 15.
  50. ^ SCREEN AND STAGE: Sanders Wins Key Role in 'Dorian Gray' Film Producer Small Seeks Stellar Songstress for Musical, 'Notorious Nancy Grazy' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 28 Dec 1943: 7.
  51. ^ O'Keefe Pressuring Small to Do 'Knights': Pressburger Will Route 'The Blivens' First to Stage, Then to Picture Medium Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 01 Feb 1944: 9.
  52. ^ HOLLYWOOD AWAKENS TO THE SHORTS: One and Two Reel Films Regaining Popularity -- Love Wins as Usual By FRED STANLEYHOLLYWOOD.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 25 June 1944: X3.
  53. ^ HOLLYWOOD AWAKENS TO THE SHORTS: One and Two Reel Films Regaining Popularity -- Love Wins as Usual By FRED STANLEYHOLLYWOOD.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 25 June 1944: X3.
  54. ^ News of the Screen The Christian Science Monitor (1908-Current file) [Boston, Mass] 21 July 1944: 4.
  55. ^ Comedy Yanks Plan Entry Into Paris, Too: Topical 'First Man in Tokyo' Scheduled; Marsha Hunt Joins Garson Entourage Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 28 Aug 1944: 8.
  56. ^ Small Plans Classic; Quints Deal Hovers Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 29 Mar 1946: A7.
  57. ^ FILMLAND BRIEFS Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 23 May 1946: A3.
  58. ^ SMALL PLANS FILM ON 'MONTE CRISTO': Seeks Louis Hayward for Lead in Movie on Dumas Hero -- Beloin Doing Hope Script By THOMAS F. BRADYSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 15 June 1948: 33.
  59. ^ Robert Donat, Jack Oakie and Other Stars to Glisten on R.-K.-O. Program: Small Closes Deal for Reliance Films Kiepura's Next European Feature in Charge of "Casta Diva" Director; Jean Arthur and Melvyn Douglas to Join Talents Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 27 Jan 1936: A15.
  60. ^ Prize Ring Comedy Goes Into Work at Early Date at U.A. The Washington Post (1923-1954) [Washington, D.C] 28 May 1933: S5.

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