Charles Koerner

Charles Koerner (died 2 February 1946) was an American film executive, best known for being head of RKO Pictures from 1942 to 1946.[1]

Koerner is best remembered today for firing Orson Welles from RKO. However he was a highly successful executive, helping RKO turn around its financial performance from the George Schaefer regime.[2]

Jean Renoir called him "an extraordinary man... I deeply regretted his unfortunate death. Had he not died, I believe I should have made twenty films for RKO. I would have worked all my life at RKO. He was a man who knew the business and the exploitation of the cinema, but at the same time conceded that one must experiment."[3]

Career

Korner was appointed vice president in charge of RKO's theatres in 1941.[4] He took over from Joseph Breen as general manager of the studio in 1942.[5]

Among Koerner's first actions was terminating the contract between RKO and Welles.[6][7] (When told the news, Welles famously quipped "Don't worry, boys. We're just passing a bad Koerner."[8]) He also ended the contract between RKO and Pare Lorentz.[9][10]

Koerner's motto was "showmanship instead of genuius." By the end of 1942 RKO was in the black for the first time in five years.[11]

Among his most notable achievements were hiring Val Lewton.[12]

Koerner died in early 1946. He was temporarily replaced by Peter Raathvon before being permanently replaced by Dore Schary.[13]

Notable films under Koerner's regime

References

  1. ↑ Obituary at Variety 6 February 1946
  2. ↑ Richard B. Jewell, Slow Fade to Black: The Decline of RKO Radio Pictures, Uni of California, 2016
  3. ↑ http://www.wellesnet.com/jean-renoir-and-orson-welles-bad-previews-at-rko/
  4. ↑ N.P. RATHVON IN RKO POST: Elected Vice President of Film Company, Schaefer Reports New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 17 Dec 1941: 39.
  5. ↑ SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD: Robert Preston, Eve Gabor and Martha O'Driscott to Appear in 'Sky Over China' FOUR NEW FILMS IN CITY 'Lady Has Plans,' 'Mr. Wise Guy,' 'Ride 'Em Cowboy' and 'Tanya' Arrive Today By Telephone to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 04 Mar 1942: 23.
  6. ↑ WELLES UNIT OUT AT RKO PICTURES: Mercury Productions Asked to Vacate Offices by Charles Koerner, Head of Studio EXECUTIVE SHIFT A FACTOR Dispute Arose After Change in Management -- Official and Attorney Give Views By Telephone to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 02 July 1942: 25
  7. ↑ WELLES VERSUS HOLLYWOOD AGAIN: RKO and the Actor Part Ways -- Warners Ready 'Mission to Moscow' By THOMAS F. BRADYHOLLYWOOD.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 12 July 1942: X3.
  8. ↑ "Morie Merry-Go-Round Hollywood Presents Soviet Russia.". News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954) (Adelaide, SA: National Library of Australia). 3 September 1942. p. 4. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  9. ↑ ANOTHER COLLISION IN HOLLYWOOD: KO and Mr. Lorentz at Odds on Film Budget -- Other Items By THOMAS F. BRADYHOLLYWOOD.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 19 July 1942: X3.
  10. ↑ PRECEDENTIAL ACTION IN HOLLYWOOD: Pare Lorentz Takes Legal Steps Against a Studio -- Other Random News By THOMAS F. BRADYHOLLYWOOD.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 01 Nov 1942: X3.
  11. ↑ HOLLYWOOD IN REVIEW: A Summary of Outstanding Developments In the Film Industry During the Year By THOMAS F. BRADYHOLLYWOOD.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 27 Dec 1942: X3.
  12. ↑ http://brightlightsfilm.com/darkness-darkness-films-val-lewton-looking-back-b-movie-master/
  13. ↑ DORE SCHARY HEAD OF RKO PRODUCTION: Film Industry Veteran of 14 Years Replaces Late Charles Koerner as Studio Chief New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 02 Jan 1947: 23
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