B.P. Schulberg (January 19, 1892 - February 25, 1957) was an American pioneer film producer and movie studio executive.
Born Percival Schulberg in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he took the name Benjamin from the boy in front of him when registering for school to avoid mockery for his British name. Schulberg, who started as a publicity manager at Famous Players-Lasky, but in the aftermath of the power struggle around the formation of United Artists end...
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B.P. Schulberg (January 19, 1892 - February 25, 1957) was an American pioneer film producer and movie studio executive.
Born Percival Schulberg in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he took the name Benjamin from the boy in front of him when registering for school to avoid mockery for his British name. Schulberg, who started as a publicity manager at Famous Players-Lasky, but in the aftermath of the power struggle around the formation of United Artists ended up on the losing side and lost his job.
In 1919, at age 27, he founded Preferred Pictures and built it around "American Beauty", actress Katherine MacDonald. In 1923, his old school-mate and associate Jack Bachman, convinced him to offer the New York starlet, 18 year old Clara Bow, a three month trial contract. Within days of her arrival she was made part of the studio permanent stock.
On October 21, 1925, Schulberg's Preferred Pictures filed for bankruptcy, with debts of $820,774 and assets of just $1,420 . Three days later it was...
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