Josef Shaftel

Josef Shaftel (14 March 1919–9 March 1999) was an American film producer, director and writer. He made a number of films in England.[1]

Shaftel was particularly prolific in the late 1960s and early 1970s.[2] In 1970 he raised seven million pounds to film a slate of six movies for Cinerama.[3] This included The Statue, The Last Grenade, Goodbye Gemini (originally called Ask Agamemnon), The Assassination of Trotsky and Say Hello to Yesterday.[4]

In April 1972 Shaftel announced he would make sixteen films worth $20 million. However by April 1973 he was in receivership.[5]

He declared bankruptcy in 1976.<ref."Film boss'£2 million debts". Western Daily Press. 18 March 1976. p. 3.</ref>

  1. ^ "Shaftel to do Don Giovanni". Variety. 23 April 1952. p. 13.
  2. ^ A. H. WEILER. (Jan 1, 1967). "'Sister George' Preens for the Movies: More About Movie Matters". The New York Times. p. 63.
  3. ^ Day-Lewis, Sean (8 January 1970). "Title Producer's £7m 'films in Britain' plan". Daily Telegraph. p. 16.
  4. ^ Day-Lewis, Sean (8 January 1970). "Title Producer's £7m 'films in Britain' plan". Daily Telegraph. p. 16.
  5. ^ Walker, Alexander (1985). National heroes : British cinema in the seventies and eighties. Harrap. p. 126.