Brut Productions

Brut Productions was a short lived film production company that was an off shoot of Faberge cosmetics under George Barrie.[1] [2]

History

Barrie began thinking about becoming involved in movie production when producer Mike Frankovich asked Faberge to make a mock advertisement for a scene in his film of The Love Machine. Barrie made an advertisement for a perfume, Xanadu. Sales of this shot up as a result of it being in the film.[3]

The company began in March 1972. Cary Grant was on the board of directors and Roger Moore was an ambassador at large. Barrie said in July 1972 "We're not in business just for Cary or Roger to make the films they want."[3]

"It's a diversification of Faberge and is strictly commercial," said Moore.[3]

Brut initially announced they would make five features and four TV productions. The features were Hugo the Hippo, then being filmed; Night Watch with Elizabeth Taylor and Laurence Harvey; A Touch of Class with Glenda Jackson; The Book of Numbers; and Getting Rid of Mr Straker with Roger Moore.[4]

The four TV productions were The Protectors with Robert Vaughn and Nyree Dawn Porter; Anita in Jumbo Land with Anita Harris; Rexford with Glenn Stanley; and The Whistling Wizard, a Bil Baird puppet show. [5] (Brut did not make the TV productions, they just distributed them in America.)[3]

The company decided to move into distribution as well.[3]

First Films

In October 1972 the company announced they were moving to Los Angeles and that Martin Rackin was appointed senior vice president. The first three films they financed were Nightwatch, A Touch of Class and Book of Numbers. They were working on an animated musical in Hungary, Hugo the Hippo and paid $500,000 to distribute Count Your Bullets. Barri wanted to move into television production and music, including their own music label.[6] Avco Embassy agreed to distribute the features .[7]

Production of Getting Rid of Mr Straker was postponed when Roger Moore was cast of James Bond. The company financed Miracles Still Happen and Welcome to Arrow Beach.[8]

The company had an early big success with A Touch of Class.

In October 1973 Sammy Cahn joined as a creative consultant. In December Ross Hunter was appointed president.[9] He signed a distribution agreement with Warner Bros.[10]

Struggles

However Hunter left in April 1974.[11] George Barrie moved into producing with Whiffs.

Later films performed less well at the box office. Brut suffered losses from 1975 onwards.

They made two TV movies, Sweet Hostage and Baby Maker.[12]

Final years and current ownership status

Faberge reported in 1981 the company lost them in $5.4 million. Faberge sold their interest in 17 films in 1982 for an undisclosed amount to the Turner Broadcasting System.[13][14]

Its entire library is currently owned by AT&T's Warner Bros. through Turner Entertainment Co.

Select Films

Unmade Projects
  • Getting Rid of Mr Straker with Roger Moore, Lee Remick and Orson Welles[4]
  • The Poison Crown based on Marlowe's Edward II starring Sarah Miles for producer Martin Poll and director Hicocx[15]
  • Marble Arch[16]
  • The Department Store[16]
  • Vicki biopic of Victoria Woodhill written by James Toback[17]

References
  1. Following the Scent to Brut Film Fest: Following the Scent to Idaho Kilday, Gregg. Los Angeles Times17 Aug 1973: d1.
  2. Birthday Lunch for Cary Grant Los Angeles Times 22 Jan 1975: g7.
  3. Faberge Tools Up for Sweet Smell of Screen Success Wood, Thomas. Los Angeles Times 9 July 1972: x1.
  4. Brut, Faberge Unit, Plans 5 Films and 4 TV Programs New York Times 8 Mar 1972: 32.
  5. Brut Slates Features for TV and Films Los Angeles Times 21 Mar 1972: f11.
  6. Theatrical Production Enlargement By Brut; Martin Rackin Senior Veep Variety; Los Angeles Vol. 268, Iss. 11, (Oct 25, 1972): 4.
  7. Avco Embassy to Distribute Brut's First Two Films Los Angeles Times 3 Feb 1973: b8.
  8. Jungle Crash Survivor Film Shooting In Peru Variety; Los Angeles Vol. 268, Iss. 11, (Oct 25, 1972): 31.
  9. A New Horizon for Ross Hunter Haber, Joyce. Los Angeles Times 3 Dec 1973: d17.
  10. Film Pact Concluded Los Angeles Times 26 Dec 1973: d17.
  11. Ross Hunter gets a brutal shakeup Norma Lee Browning. Chicago Tribune 24 Apr 1974: b12.
  12. TV MOVIE REVIEW: 'Baby' Unfolds Social Drama Thomas, Kevin. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]07 Oct 1977: i29.
  13. Business in Brief: Faberge sold most of the assets of Brut Productions. Los Angeles Times 1 Jan 1982: f2
  14. Faberge Sells Brut's Assets New York Times 1 Jan 1982: 2.36.
  15. Hal's 'Follies': Hal's "Follies' ENCORE FOR SARAH IN THIS CORNER OUR GUY GALLICO By A. H. WEILER. New York Times ]15 Apr 1973: 143.
  16. News of the Screen: De Gaulle's France In Documentary Ross Hunter Named Brut President Talent Hunt On For 'Ruby Red' By A. H. WEILER. New York Times 23 Dec 1973: 22.
  17. News of the Screen: Woman Candidate Focus for Feature Holly, Rock Hero, Inspires Drama Chabrol Picks Family to Star Children's Theater Prepares 'Lollipop' By A. H. WEILER. New York Times 21 July 1974: 43.
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