Manson International
Edmund Goldman and Sam Nathanson established Manson Distributing Corporation in 1953. Both men came from Columbia Pictures before launching their own venture. The company began by importing foreign films for American audiences. One of the earliest titles they handled was Godzilla, a Japanese science fiction film that became a cultural phenomenon. By 1962, Manson had incorporated as a formal business entity. Their initial strategy focused on bringing international cinema to U.S. theaters during an era when Hollywood dominated domestic distribution.
By the early 1960s, Manson shifted its focus toward sex trip movies. These films were categorized as either hard or soft content depending on explicitness levels. Blood Feast appeared in 1963 as one of their notable releases. Two Thousand Maniacs! followed in 1964, marking another entry into this genre. Mission Batangas arrived in 1968, expanding their catalog further. Nightmare in Wax came out in 1969, continuing their pattern of distributing provocative material. Santa and the Three Bears emerged in 1970, showing some variety within their approach. Cycles South debuted in 1971, adding to their growing collection of adult-oriented features. This period represented a significant pivot from their original foreign film mission.
Edmund Goldman's son Michael took control of the company in 1975. He redirected operations away from sex trip movies toward independent film licensing. The new direction emphasized marketing strategies for international markets rather than domestic exploitation fare. Tourist Trap appeared in 1978 under his guidance, becoming a cult classic later recognized by horror fans. Laserblast also surfaced that same year, showcasing science fiction elements. Summer Night Fever arrived in 1978, reflecting broader thematic shifts. These choices signaled a deliberate move toward more mainstream yet still niche audiences. Michael's leadership transformed Manson from an exploitation distributor into a global licensing agency.
Radioactive Dreams marked Manson's entry into actual production during the early 1980s. The film served as both a creative project and a business experiment. At its height, Manson International held distribution rights to Intercontinental Releasing Corporation libraries. This acquisition expanded their catalog significantly beyond what they had previously managed independently. Television distribution efforts grew alongside theatrical releases during this expansion phase. Arthouse pictures joined their portfolio, diversifying content offerings further. By the mid-1980s, Manson operated at peak capacity with multiple revenue streams supporting its growth strategy.
Management Company Entertainment Group purchased Manson in 1987. Jonathan D. Krane owned the acquiring company through his production firm. Following the sale, Intercontinental Releasing switched distribution to United Film Distribution Company instead of staying with Manson. In 1995, Management Company Entertainment Group merged with Orion Pictures to create Metromedia International Group. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer acquired Metromedia in 1997, bringing Manson under MGM ownership eventually. Certain exceptions remain regarding specific titles within the library today. US Copyright Office Document No. V3054P286 recorded on the 16th of November 1994 documented part of this transition process involving Intercontinental Releasing titles separately acquired by MCEG.
Manson distributed many films outside North America including cult favorites like Scanners and Brain Damage. Scanners appeared in 1981 as a science fiction horror film that gained critical attention years later. Brain Damage emerged in 1988, becoming another beloved title among genre enthusiasts. Tourist Trap from 1978 remains widely discussed despite initial limited release success. Snuff arrived in 1976, representing one of their more controversial entries during earlier decades. Laserblast debuted in 1978, adding sci-fi flair to their diverse catalog. Eddie and the Cruisers surfaced in 1983, showing musical drama capabilities alongside horror themes. These selections illustrate how Manson balanced commercial viability with artistic risk-taking throughout its operational history.
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Common questions
When was Manson International established by Edmund Goldman and Sam Nathanson?
Edmund Goldman and Sam Nathanson established Manson Distributing Corporation in 1953. The company began by importing foreign films for American audiences before incorporating as a formal business entity by 1962.
What types of movies did Manson International distribute during the early 1960s?
Manson International shifted its focus toward sex trip movies categorized as either hard or soft content depending on explicitness levels. Notable releases from this period include Blood Feast in 1963, Two Thousand Maniacs! in 1964, Mission Batangas in 1968, Nightmare in Wax in 1969, Santa and the Three Bears in 1970, and Cycles South in 1971.
Who took control of Manson International in 1975 and what changes were made?
Edmund Goldman's son Michael took control of the company in 1975 and redirected operations away from sex trip movies toward independent film licensing. This new direction emphasized marketing strategies for international markets rather than domestic exploitation fare while releasing titles like Tourist Trap and Laserblast in 1978.
When was Manson International acquired and who purchased it?
Management Company Entertainment Group purchased Manson in 1987 through Jonathan D. Krane's production firm. Following the sale, Intercontinental Releasing switched distribution to United Film Distribution Company instead of staying with Manson before Management Company merged with Orion Pictures in 1995.
Which cult films did Manson International distribute outside North America during its operational history?
Manson distributed many films outside North America including Scanners which appeared in 1981 as a science fiction horror film that gained critical attention years later. Brain Damage emerged in 1988 becoming another beloved title among genre enthusiasts alongside other diverse catalog entries like Eddie and the Cruisers in 1983.