Robert M. Weitman

Robert M. Weitman (1905–1989) was an American film, TV and theatre producer and studio executive. For a number of years he was a leading executive at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, being head of production during a successful period in the 1960s under president Robert O'Brien. The two men oversaw the production of the last consistent run of classic films at the studio.[1][2]

Weitman ran theatres for Paramount in the 1930s and 40s, often booking big bands, In 1953 he went to work for ABC then moved to CBD in 1956. He joined MGM in 1960 and worked in TV production, enjoying success with the Dr Kildare series. He was appointed head of film production in January 1962.[3] He oversaw the completion and release of How the West Was Won and Mutiny on the Bounty and the first film of his regime was Unsinkable Molly Brown. Among the films initiated under his management were Young Cassidy, 36 Hours, The Dirty Dozen and Dr Zhivago.[4] MGM also expanded its TV production division.[5] Under Weitman and O'Brien, MGM, which made a $30 million loss in 1963, turned around and made a profit of $17 million the following year.[6] In 1966 they reported a $10 million profit.[7]

MGM became the subject of a corporate take over attempt by Philip Levin in 1967.[8] Weitman resigned in 1967 and was replaced by Clark Ramsay.[9] Weitman became head of production at Columbia, replacing Mike Frankovich.[10] Although he had a five-year contract Weitman left this post in late 1969, Columbia saying the new filmmaking environment meant his job would no longer exist.[11] Weitman then became an independent producer with an exclusive contract to Columbia, starting with The Anderson Tapes.[12]

Filmography

References
  1. "'Obituaries – Robert M. Weitman, 83, Former Producer'". New York Times. January 22, 1989. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  2. "Robert Weitman, 84; Innovator in Era of Big Bands". Los Angeles Times. January 23, 1989. p. A16.
  3. "MGM Appoints Robert Weitman to Studio Post". Los Angeles Times. January 8, 1962. p. 30.
  4. "26 Story Properties on MGM's Schedule". Los Angeles Times. November 12, 1963. p. D8.
  5. "MGM Readies 8 Series for Next Season". Los Angeles Times. July 23, 1964. p. C11.
  6. Champlin, Charles (November 11, 1965). "MGM Lion Purrs About the Future". Los Angeles Times. p. d12.
  7. Goldman, John J; SEDERBERG, ARELO. (February 19, 1967). "It's Showdown Week in Fight to Control MGM: MGM Stockholders Get Big Pitch". Los Angeles Times. p. e1.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. "MGM Management's Slate for Directors Holds 5.5% of Stock: Total, Listed in Proxy Statement, Compares With 13.5% of Firm's Shares for Dissident Group". Wall Street Journal. January 9, 1967. p. 10.
  9. "MGMs Top Executives Meet Here". Los Angeles Times. July 11, 1967. p. c7.
  10. Champlin, Charles. (August 6, 1967). "Management Changes at the Dream Factory". Los Angeles Times. p. c14.
  11. Warga, Wayne (October 15, 1969). "Weitman to Leave His Columbia Post". Los Angeles Times. p. f14.
  12. Martin, Betty (November 5, 1969). "Rights to 'Tapes' Acquired". Los Angeles Times. p. f12.
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