Arthur Krim

Arthur Krim was an influential American lawyer, film studio executive, and a pivotal figure in Democratic Party fundraising. His leadership at United Artists helped revitalize the studio and finance landmark films, while his co-founding of Orion Pictures created a major new Hollywood player. Krim's political acumen made him a key advisor to presidents, most notably John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, and he played a central role in major advocacy organizations like the American Jewish Committee and the America-Israel Friendship League.

Early life and education

He was born in New York City to a Jewish family. Krim attended DeWitt Clinton High School in The Bronx before enrolling at Columbia University. He excelled academically, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree and subsequently a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School. During his time at university, he developed a keen interest in both corporate law and liberal politics, influences that would define his multifaceted career.

Career in law and business

After graduating, Krim joined the prestigious New York law firm of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin, Krim & Ballon, where he became a partner specializing in entertainment and corporate law. His legal practice brought him into close contact with the film industry, representing major figures and studios. This expertise led to his appointment as president and later chairman of the financially troubled United Artists in 1951. His innovative business strategies, including offering creative freedom and profit participation to top talent like Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster, restored the studio to profitability.

Political involvement and advocacy

Krim was a lifelong activist within the Democratic Party. He served as the national finance chairman for the Democratic National Committee and was a principal fundraiser for the presidential campaigns of Adlai Stevenson II, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. President Johnson appointed him to the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. Deeply committed to Jewish causes and Israel–United States relations, Krim was a longtime leader of the American Jewish Committee, served as president of the America-Israel Friendship League, and was a trustee of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot.

Role in the film industry

At United Artists, Krim and his partners, including Robert Benjamin, transformed the studio into a powerhouse by backing groundbreaking films such as *The African Queen*, High Noon, and the James Bond series beginning with *Dr. No*. In 1978, after a dispute with the parent company Transamerica Corporation, Krim led a management exodus to co-found Orion Pictures, serving as its chairman. Orion achieved critical and commercial success with films like *Amadeus*, *Platoon*, and Dances with Wolves, solidifying his legacy as a studio builder.

Personal life and legacy

He was first married to Mildred Custin, a noted fashion executive and philanthropist. Following her death, he married renowned biomedical researcher Mathilde Krim in 1980, a leading figure in HIV/AIDS research and advocacy. Arthur Krim died in Manhattan in 1994. His legacy endures through the Arthur Krim Award for engineering leadership given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and his papers are housed at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, reflecting his dual impact on American cinema and national politics.

Category:American film executives Category:American lawyers Category:1910 births Category:1994 deaths