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Alexander
Korda leaving Hollywood in 1930. His nephew Michael Korda wrote:
"Alex, though broke, is perfectly dressed, traveling first class
and has three good cigars visible in his breast pocket!"
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Alexander Korda
Hollywood Renegade & Founding Member of The Society of Independent Motion
Picture Producers
by J. A. Aberdeen
Sir Alexander Korda, a Hungarian cosmopolitan, was one of the many promising
European directors that emigrated to Hollywood during the 1920s. He had
difficulty working within the confines of the large studios as a contract
director. In 1930 Korda turned his back on the American studio system to become an empire-builder
overseas.
He settled in London, and made The Private Life of Henry VIII, perhaps the
most influential British film of all time—and the movie that is credited with
single-handedly creating a boom film market in England. Alexander Korda became
the first member of the film industry to be knighted.
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Alexander
Korda, director-producer.
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He intended to make his independent production company, London Films, the
most important studio outside the United States. After achieving his goals
overseas, he intended to set out again to conquer Hollywood. Alex Korda served
as a stockholding partner at United Artists, and on several occasions made
unsuccessful bids to become the dominant owner of the UA distribution company.
In 1941 he became a founding member of the Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers.
MORE:
SOURCES:
"Alex though broke": Korda, Charmed Lives, p.
148f.
See Bibliography.
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