Joe Kaufmann

Joseph Kaufman (sometimes given as Kaufmann) (1911–1961) was an American film producer. He began his career at Monogram Pictures, then working for Roy Del Ruth before moving into independent production. Kaufman attended the University of Chicago and worked in film as a salesman and broker. He became head buyer for the Balaban and Katz theatre chain in Chicago. In 1944 he joined Monogram Pictures as a producer.Katz formed his own production company in 1949 and had a bit-hit with Sudden Fear.

In 1953 Katz made a film and TV series in Australia about Long John Silver, giving an early role to Rod Taylor -- who Kafuman put under contract reportedly to make Come Away Pearler and Captain Henry Morgan -- neither of which were ever made.In 1957 Katz bought the rights to more than 300 Grand Guignol plays.In 1958, Katz made Another Time Another Place with Lana Turner in England.Katz died of a heart attack in 1961 and was survived by his widow Doris -- whom he married in 1949 -- and his sister.