It’s been a while since I did one of these, but “The Story Behind…” series is back, this time featuring United Artists. I really never thought about the name of the company, but if you read about its history it becomes very clear. The company was formed by Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and D. W. Griffith and lawyer William Gibbs McAdoo, who all had a 20% stake. As the studio system was forming these actors wanted more freedom and this was the way to get it. Although they managed to set up the company it had some tough times and during the fifties two lawyers-turned-producers Robert Benjamin and Arthur Krim took over United Artists. Its logo has also changed a lot during the years the company has been in existence. Continue reading →