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Posted on Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 at 08:32pm by Grissom
Batman exec-producer Benjamin Melniker passes away aged 104

    So sad to report that the one and only, Benjamin Melniker, has passed away at the ripe old age of 104. Melniker was a legendary producer and referred to as the "MGM Lion" because of his prolific work with that studio, helping to settle deals and produce such hits as Ben-Hur and 2001: A Space Odyssey. After he left that studio, he teamed with another legend, Michael E. Uslan, as they bought the rights to the DC Comics character, Batman.

     After long delays and different writers, directors and actors attached, Batman finally made it unto the big screen in the summer of 1989. It changed the face of blockbuster and superhero films forever. It became the biggest film at the US Box Office that year and was highly acclaimed as a game-changer, with fantastic performances by the two leads, Michael Keaton (Batman) and Jack Nicholson (The Joker). It also went on to win an Oscar for its awe-inspirating production design and art direction.

     Melniker's name has been attached to every live -action and animated Batman film, since the '89 blockbuster and rightfully so.

    Long-time business partner Michael Uslan, Godfather of the Batman franchise, made the announcement on his Facebook page. In a touching post he said of Mr. Melniker "He helped  make my dreams come true. He was my second father. I always knew this day had to come, but after 105 years, I never thought it would.“Benjamin Melniker.” Remember the name. He has left it behind for all the rest of us to aspire to."

    The Batman community around the globe owes a huge debt of gratitude to Mr. Melniker, for his belief and perseverance in giving the world a true Dark Knight.

               

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