Isidore Ostrer Explained

Isidore Ostrer (1889–1975) was a banker, financier, poet, newspaper owner, and film studio owner in England. His father, Nathan Ostrer, was a jewellery salesman who immigrated from the Russian Empire. In addition to assembling a media empire he wrote poetry and authored an economics text.[1]

Ostrer was born in London's East End.[2] He began his career in the textile industry before establishing two banks with his brothers. They financed film industry businesses and Ostrer acquired control of Gaumont-British Film Company from its French parent Gaumont Film Company in 1922. He sold it to J. Arthur Rank in 1941. Ostrer also owned a newspaper (Sunday Referee) and textile business (Amalgamated Textiles).[3]

He moved to the U.S. during World War II.[4] His daughter became actress Pamela Mason.[5] Morgan Mason is his grandson.

A painting of Isidore Ostrer by Howard Coster is in the National Portrait Gallery.[6]

Nigel Ostrer wrote The Ostrers and Gaumont British, a book about the family and their involvement in the film studios.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Isidore Ostrer. The Studio Tour.
  2. 48090 . Ostrer, Isidore (1889–1975), financier and film producer . Murphy, Robert.
  3. Web site: isidore ostrer . www.jewishlivesproject.com . en.
  4. Web site: A welcome change from the usual run of film histories. www.bairdtelevision.com.
  5. Web site: Pamela (Kellino) Mason. www.rusc.com.
  6. Web site: Isidore Ostrer - National Portrait Gallery. www.npg.org.uk.