Samuel Goldwyn Jr Eartha Kitt - A Look Back

Prof. Berniece Feeney 24 Jun 2025

When we think about the people who shaped the entertainment world, so many names come to mind, don't they? Two individuals, Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt, each left a truly unique mark, building legacies that, you know, continue to be felt. Goldwyn, a figure deeply rooted in the very foundations of Hollywood, worked behind the scenes to bring stories to the screen, while Kitt, a performer with a captivating presence, truly brought characters and songs to life.

Their paths, while different in some respects, crossed in interesting ways, most notably through shared projects that showcased their individual talents and contributions. It's almost as if their stories, in a way, highlight the many different kinds of work that go into creating the movies and music we all enjoy. We'll explore some of the specific moments where their professional lives connected, and also look at the broader impact each person had on the world of entertainment.

This look back will shed light on their individual journeys, from Goldwyn's role as a champion for independent film to Kitt's incredible rise from humble beginnings to becoming, you know, a globally recognized symbol of elegance. We'll also see how a particular film brought their talents together, offering a glimpse into the collaborative spirit that, basically, drives the creation of motion pictures.

Samuel Goldwyn Jr. - A Life in Film
What Was Samuel Goldwyn Jr.'s Impact on Cinema?
Eartha Kitt - An Icon's Story
How Did Eartha Kitt Shape Entertainment?
The Shared Path - Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt
What Connected Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt?
Looking at Their Other Projects
Any More Links Between Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt?

Samuel Goldwyn Jr. - A Life in Film

Samuel Goldwyn Jr. was someone who spent his working life bringing motion pictures to audiences. He was, in a way, a key person in the independent film movement, helping to get those kinds of movies made and seen. His father was one of the very first people to help build the movie industry in Hollywood, so you could say that, you know, the film business was in his blood.

He was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 7, 1926. His mother was an actress named Frances Howard, so he grew up around the creative world of show business. He actually appeared in films himself when he was younger, even in some musical shorts as a child, which is pretty interesting, isn't it?

Sadly, Samuel Goldwyn Jr. passed away, and his son, Peter, shared that the cause was congestive heart failure. His contributions to the film world, however, really do live on through the many projects he helped create and support. He was, basically, a producer, someone who makes sure movies get from an idea to the big screen.

What Was Samuel Goldwyn Jr.'s Impact on Cinema?

Samuel Goldwyn Jr. had a significant role in helping different kinds of movies get made. He was known as a champion for films that weren't always part of the big studio system, which means he helped independent creators find their way. This kind of work is, you know, pretty important for keeping the movie world fresh and varied, allowing for stories that might not otherwise see the light of day.

His company, Samuel Goldwyn Films, picked up the rights for a movie called *Anything But Love*, which used to be known as *Standard Time*. This particular film was, apparently, a nod back to the colorful musicals of the 1950s, using that classic Technicolor look. It shows, in some respects, his interest in different styles and periods of filmmaking.

Some of the movies he is most recognized for include *Mystic Pizza*, which came out in 1988, and also *Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World*. These films, you know, show the range of projects he was involved with, from smaller, more personal stories to big, adventurous productions that took audiences to different places. He really did have a hand in many types of movie experiences.

Eartha Kitt - An Icon's Story

Eartha Kitt was a truly remarkable performer, known for her captivating voice and stage presence. She was, you know, a singer, a dancer, and an actress, someone who could command attention in any setting. Her journey began in very humble circumstances, growing up in the cotton fields of South Carolina, which makes her rise to international fame even more impressive.

She became, in a way, a global symbol of grace and allure. People recognized her for her unique sound and the way she held herself. Beyond her artistic talents, she was also someone who cared deeply about civil rights, using her platform to speak out for what she believed in. She was, basically, a person who used her voice for more than just entertainment.

Born Eartha Mae Kitt on January 26, 1927, in North, South Carolina, she was the daughter of William and Anna Mae (Riley) Kitt. Her personal life also saw some changes, as she married William McDonald in June of 1960, and they later divorced in 1965. Her story is, truly, one of great resilience and talent, from her beginnings to her worldwide recognition.

How Did Eartha Kitt Shape Entertainment?

Eartha Kitt's influence on the entertainment world was, you know, pretty broad. Her distinctive voice was instantly recognizable, and she had a way of performing that just drew people in. She made her mark in music, on stage, and on screen, showing a versatility that few performers achieve. Her ability to sing, dance, and act meant she could really take on many different kinds of roles.

She lent her voice to animated characters, too, like Bagheera in the film *The Jungle Book*, which many people remember. This shows her range, moving from live performances to voice work that captured the hearts of many. She also appeared in films like *Last Resort* and a couple of French movies, which, you know, speaks to her international appeal.

On television, she was seen in shows like *Burke's Law* in 1965, and she even served as a narrator for a piece called "Is this a house for a..." Her work spanned many different forms of media, leaving a lasting impression wherever she performed. She really did, in some respects, touch every corner of the entertainment industry.

The Shared Path - Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt

While Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt were prominent figures in their own right, their professional lives did, as a matter of fact, come together on at least one notable project. This kind of collaboration is, you know, pretty common in Hollywood, where different talents come together to create something new. Their connection highlights the interconnectedness of the film industry.

The film *Anna Lucasta*, released in 1958, is a key point where their paths crossed. This movie was directed by Arnold Laven and written by Philip Yordan. It was a remake of an earlier film from 1949, a film noir version. The very fact that it was a remake suggests, in a way, its lasting appeal and the desire to bring the story to new audiences with fresh talent.

What's particularly interesting is that *Anna Lucasta* went into production at the Samuel Goldwyn Studio in Hollywood. The entire process, from start to finish, was pretty quick, wrapping up in a mere month after starting in early May. This shows a level of efficiency and, you know, perhaps a focused effort to get the film completed.

What Connected Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt?

The most direct link between Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt is, you know, their involvement with the film *Anna Lucasta*. Eartha Kitt was one of the stars of this movie, appearing alongside Sammy Davis Jr. and Henry Scott. So, while Goldwyn's studio was the place where the film was made, Kitt was right there on screen, bringing her considerable acting talents to the story.

The movie itself was about a young woman who had, you know, a difficult past, and she discovers that her main challenger had bigger plans than she might have realized. This kind of dramatic storyline, which features a character facing personal struggles, was a good fit for Kitt's expressive acting style. It allowed her to show her depth as a performer, really bringing the character to life.

There's also a small mention in the text about Samuel Goldwyn Jr.'s work on the classic American opera *Porgy and Bess*, which he had wanted to bring to film since 1954. He had very specific ideas about who he wanted for the roles. At one point, Lee Gershwin told Goldwyn not to hire Sammy Davis Jr., and Goldwyn, you know, promised he wouldn't. He then offered a role to Cab Calloway, but Calloway, apparently, turned it down. The text also mentions Cab Calloway looking past Eartha, trying to spot his next job, which, you know, might hint at a broader connection in the entertainment circles of the time, though it doesn't directly link Goldwyn and Kitt on that specific project.

Looking at Their Other Projects

Beyond their direct connection through *Anna Lucasta*, it's worth looking at the other projects each of these individuals pursued, as they, you know, really show the breadth of their careers. Samuel Goldwyn Jr., as a producer, was involved in bringing many different kinds of stories to the screen, always with an eye toward quality and, in some cases, independence from the usual studio system. His work in supporting independent film, for example, truly made a difference for many filmmakers.

Eartha Kitt, on the other hand, was a performer who moved effortlessly between various artistic forms. She wasn't just an actress; she was a singer with a very distinctive sound, a dancer, and someone who used her voice to advocate for important causes. Her versatility meant she could, you know, perform in a wide array of settings, from the stage to the recording studio, and then to the film set. Her unique style and presence really did set her apart.

The text also mentions other names connected to Eartha Kitt, such as Frederick O'Neal, Henry Scott, and Rex Ingram, in a general sense, suggesting they were part of her professional circle or shared projects. While the specifics of these connections aren't detailed, it does, you know, paint a picture of a performer who worked with many different talents throughout her long career. It's clear that both Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt had very busy and impactful working lives, each contributing in their own special way to the world of movies and performance.

Any More Links Between Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt?

While *Anna Lucasta* is the clearest point where Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt's professional lives intersected, there isn't, you know, a lot of information suggesting other direct collaborations in the provided text. Their connection seems to be more about the shared space of Hollywood and the film industry, rather than a long list of projects they worked on together. Goldwyn was primarily a producer, someone who helped get films made and distributed, and Kitt was a performer, appearing in front of the camera and on stage.

The mention of Goldwyn's interest in *Porgy and Bess* and his interactions with people like Lee Gershwin and Cab Calloway, where Sammy Davis Jr. and Eartha Kitt are also mentioned in the broader context, suggests that, you know, they moved in similar professional circles. It's like, in a town dedicated to making movies and entertainment, many people cross paths indirectly, even if they don't work side-by-side on every single project. This shows how, you know, the industry is a pretty interconnected place.

So, while *Anna Lucasta* stands out as the direct shared project for Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and Eartha Kitt, their individual careers were, in a way, part of the same larger story of Hollywood. They both contributed to the rich tapestry of American entertainment, each bringing their distinct talents and visions to the screen and stage. Their stories remind us that, you know, the creation of memorable films and performances often involves many different kinds of contributions, both behind the scenes and in the spotlight.

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