Henry Ginsberg

Henry Ginsberg was an American film producer and studio executive known for his leadership as vice president in charge of production at Paramount Pictures from 1944 to 1950 and for producing the acclaimed epic film Giant (1956). Born in New York City on May 8, 1897, he built a long career in Hollywood that spanned distribution, studio management, and independent production, contributing to the industry through key roles at several major studios.

Ginsberg entered the film business in the 1920s, founding and owning the Henry Ginsberg Distributing Corp. in New York City before transitioning to studio operations. He served as general manager of Hal Roach Studios from 1931 to 1936, followed by the same position at Selznick International Pictures from 1936 to 1944, where he oversaw production during a formative period for the company. In 1944, he joined Paramount Pictures as vice president in charge of production, guiding the studio's slate of films through the late 1940s until his resignation in 1950.

Following his departure from Paramount, Ginsberg co-founded Giant Productions in 1953 with director George Stevens and novelist Edna Ferber to adapt Ferber's novel into the film Giant, which was released by Warner Bros. in 1956. The production, notable for its scale and cast including Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean, represented a significant independent effort in his later career and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

Ginsberg died of a heart attack on June 10, 1979, at his home in Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 82. He was survived by his wife Mildred, daughter Diana Toruno, and sons William and John.