Mini Tribute: Producer Pandro S. Berman

Born March 28, 1905 Legendary Producer Pandro S. Berman!

Before I start, I must add a quick ‘disclaimer’ —  this post is only labeled a ‘Mini’ tribute because it is ‘mini’ in ‘written’ content — but given that Pandro S. Berman produced some of my all-time favorite films — this post is by no means ‘mini’ in terms of my respect for him!

So to celebrate Berman’s birthday, a pictorial tribute…

First, some behind-the-scenes photos:

Producer Pandro S. Berman (right) with Katharine Hepburn & Director Vincente Minnelli on set of Undercurrent (film released 1946)

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Production Manager Pandro S. Berman (aka executive in charge of production) (right) with Ginger Rogers and Director Garson Kanin on the set of Bachelor Mother (film released 1939)

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Producer Pandro S. Berman with Elvis Presley near the MGM or Paramount Studio gates (location not confirmed) around the time of Jailhouse Rock (film released 1957);  also pictured is actress Barbara Lang who was originally slated to appear opposite Presley in Jailhouse Rock (but the part ultimately went to Judy Tyler)

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Now for some of my personal favorite Berman films:

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, dancing to Cole Porter’s “Night and Day”  in The Gay Divorcee (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1934)

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Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing to Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek” in Top Hat (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1935)

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Harriet Hilliard (Harriet Nelson) and Randolph Scott in Follow the Fleet (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1936)

Bilge (Randolph Scott): Well, watch my maneuvers — you can’t beat the navy.
Connie Martin (Harriet Hilliard): All right, sailor, I surrender.
Bilge: unconditionally?
Connie Martin: Well, I’m will to discuss terms.

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 Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy in the original Father of the Bride (Pandro S. Berman producer, Vincente Minnelli director, 1950)

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Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers in Stage Door (Pandro S. Berman producer, Gregory La Cava director, 1937)

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And, yes, there are SO many more wonderful Pandro S. Berman films including National Velvet, Sweet Bird of Youth, Of Human Bondage, Roberta, The Hunchback of Notre Dame — so I’m sure this post will be continued at some point soon 🙂

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–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub