Richard Zanuck

Dina · #1 07-13-2012, 03:14 PM

Famed Hollywood producer Richard Zanuck has passed away from a heart attack. From Compulsion in 1959 to Dark Shadows this year, he had a long and successful career.
Rest in Peace, Mr Zanuck, and, thank you for many, many years of great movie entertainment.

***Nancy*** · #2 07-13-2012, 09:26 PM

Dickie was a great man and a very special friend.

**Marty** · #3 07-13-2012, 09:30 PM

sorry for your loss, Nancy.

Gregory · #4 07-14-2012, 05:42 AM

H was also involved with Planet of the Apes, Driving Miss Daisy and M*A*S*H.

I too am sorry for you loss, Nancy.

Lourdes · #5 07-14-2012, 08:40 AM

Rest in peace, Mr.Zanuck!

johnofphilly · #6 07-14-2012, 11:23 AM

We can only hope substantial capability reaps the market for his craft. No doubt Mr. Zanuck had certain standards of production that hopefully will be honored and continued.

***Nancy*** · #7 07-14-2012, 11:32 AM

Here are just a few of the comments that illustrate how people loved this wonderful man.

— "In 1974, Dick Zanuck and I sat in a boat off Martha's Vineyard and watched the mechanical shark sink to the bottom of the sea. Dick turned to me and smiled. 'Gee, I sure hope that's not a sign.' That moment forged a bond between us that lasted nearly 40 years. He taught me everything I know about producing. He was one of the most honorable and loyal men of our profession and he fought tooth and nail for his directors. Dick Zanuck was a cornerstone of our industry, both in name and in deed." — Steven Spielberg, whose films "Jaws" and "The Sugarland Express" Zanuck produced.

— "I'm stunned! Richard was a good and longtime friend. A very fine producer who was wonderful to work for and with." — Morgan Freeman, star of 1989's "Driving Miss Daisy," which earned Zanuck a best-picture Oscar.

— "Dick was a legend in the industry and a true pleasure to work with, making his passing a true loss. His gut feelings for the art of cinema matched his brains for the business. He is already missed." — Tom Hanks, who starred in "Road to Perdition" and other Zanuck films.

— "The tragic loss of this great legend, this warrior, is too shocking for words. He was family. He was the first producer that I ever experienced actually producing. He would shield the filmmaker from all unnecessary distractions and delicately build an actor's confidence on a daily basis. An incredibly strong and vital force on and off set, with a genuine kindness toward everyone, regardless of their position.

He was the last of a breed. My condolences to his dear wife, Lili, whom he adored, and to his family, who meant the world to him. You will forever be in our thoughts, Dear Richard." — Johnny Depp, star of the Zanuck-produced "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" in 2005 and "Dark Shadows" in 2012.

— "The great Richard Zanuck. A filmmaking force I assumed would go on forever. His leadership on "Cocoon" made a huge difference He'll be missed." — Ron Howard, director of "Cocoon."

— "Richard Zanuck was a long-standing member of the Warner Bros. family and an extraordinary producer. His body of work includes some of the best loved films of all time, including our own 'Driving Miss Daisy' ... He was a good friend and will always be remembered as a true gentleman who strove for and achieved excellence throughout his career." — Barry Meyer, Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros.

***Nancy*** · #8 07-14-2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

JUNE 23, 1965: Dad played an American Army colonel imprisoned in an Italian POW camp during World War II in 20th Century-Fox's exciting Von Ryan's Express, which premiered at Loew's State in New York. The colonel and his British counterpart, played by Trevor Howard, led a group of prisoners in a daring escape over the Swiss border that concluded with a heartstopping sequence as the men commandeered a German train.

In the final scene, Fox president Richard Zanuck and his father, Darryl, wanted an ending in which Colonel Ryan would get away safely to Switzerland along with the other prisoners, but since Ryan had been forced to kill a young woman in the course of his escape, Dad felt strongly that letting him live would be tantamount to letting him off the hook for that killing. They wanted Ryan to return in a sequel, but Dad won the argument, and he was right.

As the train leaves the station at the end, Ryan is running desperately to catch up with it. Trevor Howard's character, Major Fincham, reaches out to grab his hand and pull him aboard. Shots ring out, and Ryan lies dying on the tracks as the train pulls away to freedom without him. It's the perfect ending to a fine movie, and it opened to boffo box office, fueling talk of another Oscar for Frank Sinatra.

Dad told me that Dickie saw the point and was instrumental in securing the proper ending.