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

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

Samuel Goldwyn, a legendary film producer and one of the founding members of Hollywood's iconic studio system, was known for his sharp wit and business acumen. He was also known for his contentious relationships with directors, often clashing with them over creative differences and financial matters. Goldwyn's famous quote, "That's the trouble with directors. Always biting the hand that lays the golden egg," encapsulates his frustration with the directors he worked with throughout his career.

Goldwyn was a shrewd businessman who understood the importance of creating successful films that would appeal to audiences and turn a profit. He was known for his hands-on approach to filmmaking, often involving himself in every aspect of the production process, from casting to editing. This level of control often put him at odds with directors, who saw themselves as the creative visionaries behind the films they were making.

Goldwyn's quote reflects his belief that directors often failed to appreciate the financial risks and investments that producers like himself made in order to bring their creative visions to life. In Goldwyn's eyes, directors were too focused on their own artistic ambitions and not concerned enough with the bottom line. This tension between artistic vision and commercial success was a constant source of conflict in the film industry, and Goldwyn was no stranger to it.

Despite his clashes with directors, Goldwyn was able to work with some of the greatest talents in Hollywood, including directors like William Wyler, George Cukor, and Howard Hawks. While he may have had his disagreements with them, Goldwyn recognized the value of their creative contributions to his films. In the end, he understood that directors were essential to the success of his productions, even if they sometimes made his job more difficult.