Ross Hunter, a renowned Hollywood producer, had a storied career that spanned the film industry, following his distinguished service in Army intelligence during World War II. After the war, Hunter began his journey in the entertainment capital, initially signing with Columbia Pictures and making his mark in a string of unremarkable B-movies. However, it was his subsequent shift to producing that would truly cement his legacy, as he went on to amass an impressive total of over 60 films, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the industry.
Hunter's extensive filmography was characterized by a plethora of visually stunning, crowd-pleasing cinematic masterpieces, frequently showcasing the talents of legendary stars such as the incomparable Debbie Reynolds and the beloved Julie Andrews. Universal Pictures served as a prominent platform for his work, providing a vast canvas for his creative expression.
In addition to his impressive repertoire of light-hearted, crowd-pleasing films, Hunter's body of work also included a significant number of emotionally charged, tear-jerking dramas, affectionately referred to as "three-hankie weepers." Notable examples of these heart-wrenching cinematic experiences include the 1959 remake of Imitation of Life, which not only revitalized the illustrious career of the iconic Lana Turner but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Hunter's fundamental philosophy as a producer was to guarantee that spectators left the cinema either in an exuberant state of euphoria or with tears of sorrow streaming down their cheeks. His most remarkable accomplishment was the 1970 blockbuster Airport, which garnered him a single Academy Award nomination. The film's unprecedented success had a lasting and profound impact on Universal Pictures, with Hunter remarking in 1973, "For three years, Universal's been living on 'Airport'."
Hunter's remarkable career, marked by a plethora of notable achievements, gradually drew to a close at Universal Pictures, as he made a significant career transition in 1971 by joining Columbia Pictures, and subsequently, in 1974, he shifted his focus to Paramount Pictures, where he dedicated himself to producing a plethora of made-for-television movies.
