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The Great Gatsby
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The Great Gatsby
Hamlet

David L. Wolper Quotes

I have to do popcorn for movies. I can do more important things for television. You’re going down when you’re making a movie, not going up.

– David L. Wolper

Continuity is a wonderful thing, and it is a very rare thing in show business.

– David L. Wolper

My initial goal for the 1984 opening ceremonies was a show that would be majestic, inspirational, and emotional – a 20 goosebump experience.

– David L. Wolper

What prevailed was that it was a family story, so it didn’t matter what the color. It was also the perfect subject matter for a miniseries: A best-selling book, a generational story, a social problem – they all made ‘Roots’ what a miniseries should be.

– David L. Wolper

I don’t want to make an ‘Animal House.’ I’m not interested in making ‘Ghost Busters.’

– David L. Wolper

There’s a fine line between patriotism and corn.

– David L. Wolper

My main contribution has been that I have educated and entertained people at the same time.

– David L. Wolper

For a two-hour movie on a 20-day shooting schedule, it’s O.K. to have an actor who’s a pain in the neck.

– David L. Wolper

Sometimes if you tell me what a story is about in just a few sentences, I can tell you if it’s going to be a success.

– David L. Wolper

People don’t buy and sell art based on the personality of the artist. Or there wouldn’t be much art bought and sold.

– David L. Wolper

Some psychiatrist told me I was interested in sculpture because I dealt in flat surfaces and needed something with dimension.

– David L. Wolper

I can possibly say I have entertained and educated more people than anyone else in the world.

– David L. Wolper

Somebody said something funny to me the other day. They said, ‘Wolper, until two weeks ago, your tombstone was going to say, ‘David Wolper, the man who produced ‘Roots.’ I think the tombstone now has a new inscription. It’s going to be ‘David Wolper, the man who produced the opening ceremony of the 1984 Olympics.’

– David L. Wolper

You need an actor who can maintain a character over a long period of time. If you have a weak actor, it won’t be obvious in two hours, but you’ll begin to see his weaknesses over four or five days.

– David L. Wolper

I had been an independent entrepreneur from the beginning, and I felt I could do it myself. I didn’t want to get a job.

– David L. Wolper

I’ve asked every grammar schoolteacher in the nation to have their students write on the meaning of the Statue of Liberty. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the winning kid got up to the microphone and, in front of the world, had to dig into a pocket to pull out a crumpled sheet of paper containing the words that would move us all?

– David L. Wolper

I don’t call four hours a miniseries.

– David L. Wolper

We couldn’t predict what would happen with ‘Roots.’ You knew there were powerful moments that were going to affect people. We were making the film while the book was being completed. We were fortunate because the hardcover book was out and on the best-seller list. The heat was still on.

– David L. Wolper

I’m not a kid trying to make an impression in the business. I do have 600 films out there that are playing constantly.

– David L. Wolper

I did not intend for there to be an incisive historical lesson in ‘North and South.’ Basically, it’s just a good, juicy story.

– David L. Wolper

‘Roots’ did show that the audience would be receptive to black talent and a black story.

– David L. Wolper

When they did the Olympics in Seoul – or elsewhere – didn’t each host country try to show its greatness to the world viewing audience?

– David L. Wolper

Relax! Life is beautiful!

– David L. Wolper

Why is it that if you hit a shot to within a tenth of an inch of the hole, it’s a great shot, but if it goes in, it’s luck?

– David L. Wolper

The minute I went into business, I was a success, and I’ve done well ever since.

– David L. Wolper

My definition of a producer is ‘the man with the dream.’

– David L. Wolper