Jerry Bresler

Jerry Bresler was an American film and television producer active from the late 1940s through the 1970s. He is best known for producing a diverse range of films, including the cult classic musical fantasy The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. and the epic adventure The Vikings. His career spanned major studios like Columbia Pictures and collaborations with stars such as Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, and Dean Martin.

Early life and education

Jerry Bresler was born on October 10, 1912, in New York City. He pursued higher education at New York University, where he studied business administration. Following his graduation, he initially worked in the field of advertising in Manhattan, gaining experience in marketing and promotion. This background in business and promotion would later prove invaluable in his Hollywood career, providing a foundation for the financial and logistical aspects of film production.

Film career

Bresler began his film career at Columbia Pictures in the late 1940s, initially working as a production manager on films like The Gallant Blade. He quickly ascended to the role of producer, with his early credits including the noir film Convicted starring Broderick Crawford. A significant early success was producing the innovative and visually striking musical The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T., which featured a screenplay by Dr. Seuss. In 1958, he produced the popular historical adventure The Vikings, directed by Richard Fleischer and starring Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis, which was a major box office hit. Throughout the 1960s, he produced a series of successful Matt Helm spy comedies starring Dean Martin, including The Silencers and The Wrecking Crew. His other notable producing credits include the war film The Last Escape and the thriller The Mad Room. Bresler was known for his efficient, businesslike approach to managing productions across various genres, from comedy to action.

Television work

In addition to his film work, Jerry Bresler was active in television production during the 1960s and 1970s. He served as a producer on several television films and series, contributing to the medium's growth during that era. One of his notable television credits was as the producer of the 1973 ABC Movie of the Week, The Bait, a thriller starring Donna Mills. His foray into television demonstrated his adaptability within the evolving entertainment industry, applying his feature film production skills to the smaller screen during a period of significant change in Hollywood.

Personal life and death

Jerry Bresler was married to Lillian Bresler. The couple had two children together. He maintained a career-focused life primarily in Los Angeles, where the film industry was centered. Bresler died on July 17, 1977, in Los Angeles at the age of 64. His death marked the end of a three-decade career during which he produced numerous commercially successful films that entertained audiences in the United States and internationally.

Filmography

A selected list of films produced by Jerry Bresler includes: * The Gallant Blade (1948) – Production Manager * Convicted (1950) * The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (1953) * The Vikings (1958) * The Last Escape (1970) * The Silencers (1966) * Murderers' Row (1966) * The Ambushers (1967) * The Wrecking Crew (1968) * The Mad Room (1969)

Category:American film producers Category:1912 births Category:1977 deaths