Samuel Goldwyn Quotes

Powerful Samuel Goldwyn for Daily Growth

About Samuel Goldwyn

Samuel Goldwyn (born Mendel Goldfaden on February 17, 1882 – January 31, 1974), a prolific film producer of the early Hollywood era, was born in Lithuania to Jewish parents who immigrated to the United States. Growing up in New York City, Goldwyn started his career as an actor, but found greater success as a theatrical impresario and later, a film producer. Known for his eccentric behavior, unique phrases ("Don't call me Shirley!") and innovative approach to filmmaking, Goldwyn co-founded the motion picture company Goldwyn Pictures Corporation (later renamed Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer or MGM) in 1924. His production company was one of the "Big Five" studios during Hollywood's Golden Age and produced some of the most successful films of the era, such as "The Big Parade" (1925), "Wings" (1927 – first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture) and "Grand Hotel" (1932). Goldwyn's influence extended beyond his productions. He was a pioneer of the Hollywood system, known for his emphasis on story development, casting, and marketing. Goldwyn's innovative strategies significantly impacted the way films were produced and marketed. His contributions to the film industry earned him four Academy Awards for Best Picture between 1934 and 1940. In 1951, after a dispute with Louis B. Mayer over creative control, Goldwyn left MGM and founded Samuel Goldwyn Productions. He continued producing successful films until his retirement in 1968. Samuel Goldwyn passed away on January 31, 1974, leaving behind an indelible mark on the film industry with his innovative approach to storytelling and production strategies.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation."

The quote suggests that true success comes from finding a profession or career that one loves and finds fulfilling, transforming it into a source of joy rather than a mere job or duty. By aligning one's passion with their work, the line between work and leisure becomes blurred, making everyday activities seem less like a chore and more like an enjoyable pursuit. This mindset fosters dedication, creativity, and motivation, leading to greater personal and professional success.


"I make pictures to reach the heart, not to teach the mind."

This quote suggests that Samuel Goldwyn's primary intention in creating movies was to evoke emotional responses rather than to educate or convey factual information. He wanted to craft stories that resonated with people on a deeper level, connecting to their feelings and experiences, thereby reaching their hearts directly.


"A good idea is about a dime a dozen. The main thing is to find out if it will work."

This quote emphasizes that original ideas are common and plentiful, but what truly matters is whether an idea can be successfully implemented or not. It suggests that while generating ideas is important, the key to success lies in the execution of those ideas and their practical application. In other words, a good plan or concept may have little value unless it can be effectively carried out.


"The harder I work, the luckier I get."

This quote by Samuel Goldwyn suggests that persistence, hard work, and dedication can create the illusion or perception of "luck" in one's life. Essentially, it implies that the more effort one puts into their endeavors, the more opportunities they create for success to manifest due to increased exposure, skill development, and determination. The idea is that through consistent hard work, an individual can influence and improve their chances of "getting lucky."


"If you want to send a message, call Western Union."

This quote by Samuel Goldwyn humorously suggests that if one's intention is to convey a clear, precise, and important message, then using conventional means of communication such as a telegraph service like Western Union would be more appropriate, rather than relying on ambiguous or indirect methods in art or entertainment. In essence, it emphasizes clarity over symbolism when attempting to communicate a specific idea or message.


A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Paper, Verbal, Written, Contract

I'm willing to admit that I may not always be right, but I am never wrong.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Admit, Never, Always, I May Not

Every director bites the hand that lays the golden egg.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Egg, Director, Golden, Bites

I think luck is the sense to recognize an opportunity and the ability to take advantage of it... The man who can smile at his breaks and grab his chances gets on.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Chance, Think, I Think, Chances

The independents who were our fiercest competitors all succumbed to the one-hit-makes-you-a-genius philosophy. It is a mistake to think you have the magic touch. Show business is roulette. If you start to play for stakes you can't afford, there's no way you can survive.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Magic, Play, Show, Roulette

People always say to me, 'It must have been wonderful coming from old Hollywood, with all those movie stars,' but I never knew anyone. I didn't even know who Charlie Chaplin was. My parents really kept me away from it all.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Hollywood, Away, Been, Chaplin

The harder I work, the luckier I get.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Work, Get, Harder, Luckier

Let's have some new cliches.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Funny, New, Some, Cliches

I vicariously lived the life of an independent producer from the time I was four years old. And what was always important was writing, writing, writing.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Independent, Old, Always, Vicariously

When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Positive, Happy, Will, Applaud

Any man who goes to a psychiatrist ought to have his head examined.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Medical, Head, Psychiatrist, Examined

I seriously object to seeing on the screen what belongs in the bedroom.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Seeing, Screen, Belongs, Bedroom

That's the trouble with directors. Always biting the hand that lays the golden egg.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Egg, Always, Directors, Lays

This music won't do. There's not enough sarcasm in it.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Music, Enough, Sarcasm

The Oscars are a lot different when you are a nominee. You walk around with this big smile on your face, and everyone, even people who work for rival film companies, tells you they voted for you.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Work, Big, Everyone, Nominee

Our comedies are not to be laughed at.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Laughed, Our, Comedies

I had a monumental idea this morning, but I didn't like it.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Morning, Like, Idea, Monumental

We want a story that starts out with an earthquake and works its way up to a climax.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Want, Works, Climax, Earthquake

If I could drop dead right now, I'd be the happiest man alive.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Alive, Drop, Could, If I Could

The reason so many people turned up at his funeral is that they wanted to make sure he was dead.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Reason, Sure, Turned, So Many People

No person who is enthusiastic about his work has anything to fear from life.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Work, Person, His, Enthusiastic

The scene is dull. Tell him to put more life into his dying.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Dying, More, His, Dull

No agency is better than its account executives.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Better, Executives, Agency, Account

Give me a couple of years, and I'll make that actress an overnight success.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Movies, Give, Overnight, Give Me

Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Intelligence, Give, Over, Give Me

A hospital is no place to be sick.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Medical, Place, Sick, Hospital

Pictures are for entertainment, messages should be delivered by Western Union.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Entertainment, Should, Messages

I was always an independent, even when I had partners.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Independent, Always, Even, Partners

Too caustic? To hell with the costs, we'll make the picture anyway.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Hell, Costs, Too, Caustic

I don't think anyone should write their autobiography until after they're dead.

- Samuel Goldwyn

Funny, Think, Anyone, Autobiography

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