(1902-1979) US film producer. He founded 20th Century Pictures in 1933, which merged the following year with Fox to form 20th Century-Fox. His ability to gauge public tastes and endless dynamism made him one of the most forceful executives in Hollywood. In addition to supervising his studio’s output, he personally produced such prestige films as The Grapes of Wrath 1940 and All About Eve 1950.
He began his career writing scenarios for canine star, Rin Tin Tin, and then became head of production at Warner Bros, where he championed contemporary torn from the headlines' material in the early sound era. He became an independent producer 1956, but in 1962 was persuaded back to Fox and elected company president, remaining at the studio until 1971.