Samuel Goldwyn, also known as Samuel Goldfish, was an American film producer of Polish origin. Goldwyn owned several motion picture studios in Hollywood. Goldwyn holds the reputation of being one of the most successful independent producers in Hollywood, who also provided opportunities to young talents. Movies produced by Goldwyn reigned Hollywood during the 30s and 40s, including hits such as Arrowsmith, Dodsworth, Wuthering Heights, The Little Foxes and Dead End. Goldwyn received Academy Award for Best Picture for his drama ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’. His list of accolades includes Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. In 1971, President Richard Nixon presented Samuel Goldwyn with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his outstanding achievements in cinema and arts. We have curated his quotes and thoughts from his films, observations, interviews etc. Read through these quotes from this legendary producer from America.
I vicariously lived the life of an independent producer from the time I was four years old. And what was always important was writing, writing, writing.
The Oscars are a lot different when you are a nominee. You walk around with this big smile on your face, and everyone, even people who work for rival film companies, tells you they voted for you.
I think luck is the sense to recognize an opportunity and the ability to take advantage of it... The man who can smile at his breaks and grab his chances gets on.
The independents who were our fiercest competitors all succumbed to the one-hit-makes-you-a-genius philosophy. It is a mistake to think you have the magic touch. Show business is roulette. If you start to play for stakes you can't afford, there's no way you can survive.
People always say to me, 'It must have been wonderful coming from old Hollywood, with all those movie stars,' but I never knew anyone. I didn't even know who Charlie Chaplin was. My parents really kept me away from it all.
