James H. Nicholson
James H. Nicholson | |
---|---|
Born | James Harvey Nicholson September 14, 1916 Film producer |
Years active | 1954–1972 |
Employer | American International Pictures |
Known for | Co-founder of American International Pictures |
Spouses | |
Children | 4 |
James Harvey Nicholson (September 14, 1916 – December 10, 1972) was an American
Early life
Nicholson was born on September 14, 1916, in Seattle, Washington. As a child, he developed a love of movies, especially fantasy and science fiction films. While at San Francisco Polytechnic High School,[1] he joined a science fiction fan club, where he met Forrest J Ackerman. The two produced a fantasy fanzine together. Years later, Ackerman's magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland would heavily promote AIP's films.
Career
Nicholson's first work in the film industry was as an usher at the El Rey Theatre in
Nicholson was known as the creative member of the partnership. His movie sense, combined with Arkoff's business savvy, led to AIP's long string of successful films aimed squarely at teenaged audiences. From 1954 to 1980, AIP released over 125 films, most of them released directly to
Nicholson and Arkoff were named Producers of the Year in 1963 by the Allied States Association of Motion Picture Owners and in 1964 were named by the Theatre Owners of America as Master Showmen of the Decade.[2]
Independent producer
In 1972, Nicholson left AIP to make independent productions under his Academy Pictures Corp. with a distribution deal with AIP however, he later severed ties with AIP by signing a distribution deal with
, he was going to make five films:- The Legend of Hell House
- Black Father
- Street People
- The B People
- Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry.
Nicholson's death meant only the first and last of these were made.[5]
Personal life
Nicholson was married twice. He had three daughters (Luree Holmes, Laura Nicholson, Loretta Nicholson) with his first wife, Sylvia, and a son, Jimmy, with actress Susan Hart.[2] His granddaughter from Laura was film producer Jill Messick.[6]
Death
Nicholson was diagnosed with a brain tumor during 1972 and received cobalt therapy but relapsed and died in the aftermath of surgery aged 56.[2][7][8] He is buried in Inglewood Park Cemetery. AIP continued for several more years before Arkoff, having lost interest in the movie business, allowed himself to be bought out by Filmways for $4.3 million.
References
- Quigley Publishing Company. 1968. p. 219.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Brain Tumor Fells James Nicholson; A Trail-Blazer In 'Sensible' Films". Variety. December 13, 1972. p. 7.
- ^ "Nicholson Plans Own Film Firm". Los Angeles Times. January 22, 1972. p. B6.
- ^ "Former AIP Chief Forms Film Firm". Los Angeles Times. June 9, 1972. p. I11.
- ISBN 978-0786413669.
- ISBN 9780786476671. Retrieved February 11, 2018.
- ^ "J.H. Nicholson, Film Maker, Dies of Cancer". Los Angeles Times. December 11, 1972. p. 26.
- ^ "James Nicholson, Producer Of Movies for Teen‐Agers". The New York Times. Associated Press. December 11, 1972.
External links
- James H. Nicholson at IMDb