Carl Laemmle

Carl Laemmle. , Carl Laemmle, a remarkable entertainment industry pioneer, incorporated the Universal Film Manufacturing Company, later known as Universal Pictures, on April 30, 1912. , , Laemmle was born in Laupheim, Germany in 1867, and immigrated to America at age 17. Although his early years were filled with hardship, he eventually became one of the most successful film producers in Hollywood. During his tenure, Universal produced some of its greatest early motion pictures, including Foolish Wives, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Phantom of the Opera, All Quiet on the Western Front, Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, Imitation of Life, and Show Boat. , , Laemmle's vision extended beyond celluloid. He established Universal City, California as a destination, and he was the first to invite the public to watch Universal productions being filmed on the studio's backlot. Laemmle's novel ideas gave birth to the Universal brand name and to the studio's recreation business, both of which are recognized globally today. , , In his later years, Carl Laemmle also worked tirelessly to help German Jews escape Nazi Germany. He is credited with sponsoring over 300 affidavits for people to come to the United States.