Biografia
Julius Stern (March 22, 1886 – April 1977) was an American film producer who produced 541 films between 1917 and 1929. A co-founder of Universal Studios, he was born in Hintersteinau, Germany, and passed away in New York, NY. He was the brother of producer Abe Stern and brother-in-law to Universal Studios co-founder Carl Laemmle.
Stern emigrated to the United States in 1903 and soon began working for Carl Laemmle at Continental Clothing, owned by Julius’ uncle Salomon "Sam" Stern. After Laemmle left Continental in 1905, Julius became his Assistant Manager in 1906 and then Manager in 1908 of Laemmle’s White Front Theater. He was later appointed Laemmle’s personal assistant. In this role, he played a key part in founding and operating the Laemmle Film Exchange and the Independent Moving Picture Company (IMP), where he served as General Manager until Universal’s establishment. Stern was crucial to Laemmle’s acquisition of control at Universal. Briefly a Director in 1912 and an officer from 1912 to 1929 at Universal Studios, he also served as President of L-KO Studios (1916–1919) and Century Comedies (1917–1926), both releasing films under Universal. During his time at Universal, Stern was a driving force behind the development of new filmmaking techniques, influenced by his frequent travels abroad, and played a central role in Universal’s expansion in the US and Europe.
Julius and his brother Abe, who was General Manager at L-KO, Century, and Rainbow, discovered many silent film stars, including Baby Peggy. Under Julius’ leadership, Century Comedies and later Stern Brothers often featured animals in comedic roles, including “Brownie” the dog, several lions, and “Joe Martin” the orangutan. In 1926, Century Comedies was dissolved and Stern Brothers Comedy was established. Stern Brothers continued releasing films under Universal until 1929, introducing film series featuring Tarzan, Buster Brown, Mike and Ike, and Baby Snookums. In 1929, the Sterns’ partnership with Universal abruptly ended with a telegram from Carl Laemmle. By April 1929, Stern Brothers were planning to produce sound feature films alongside their continuing comedy shorts and series at their newly founded National Sound Recording Studio. In 1933, Max and Arthur Alexander, nephews of Julius and Abe Stern who operated National Studios, renamed it Alexander Brothers Studio and began production. By 1935, Julius Stern retired from active involvement in the film industry to manage his real estate holdings. The successor companies, managed by the Alexander brothers and other relatives, continued producing films and television content into the 1970s. Julius Stern died at his New York home on April 26, 1977, at the age of 91.
