Motion Picture Producer, Director, Screenwriter. Born in New York City, he graduated from Columbia University with a business degree but was soon drawn to the entertainment industry. After some theatre experience as an actor and press agent, he entered films in 1924 as a regional distributor for MGM. He began writing scripts in 1927, directed his first films for RKO in 1931, and was promoted to producer at MGM in 1938. A proficient journeyman, Ruben worked mainly on B pictures. He wrote the screenplay for Gregory La Cava's tearjerker "Symphony of Six Million" (1932), directed "Riff Raff" (1936), a good comedy-drama starring Spencer Tracy and Jean Harlow, and produced several Wallace Beery vehicles, notably "Sergeant Madden" (1939). Ruben also had the dubious distinction of producing "Her Cardboard Lover" (1942), a flop that ended star Norma Shearer's career. His other credits include "The Public Defender" (1931), "The Phantom of Crestwood" (1932), "Java Head" (1935), "The Bad Man of Brimstone" (1938), "Maisie" (1939), "Flight Command" (1941), and "Tennessee Johnson" (1942). He died of a heart attack during production of "Assignment in Brittany" (1943).
Motion Picture Producer, Director, Screenwriter. Born in New York City, he graduated from Columbia University with a business degree but was soon drawn to the entertainment industry. After some theatre experience as an actor and press agent, he entered films in 1924 as a regional distributor for MGM. He began writing scripts in 1927, directed his first films for RKO in 1931, and was promoted to producer at MGM in 1938. A proficient journeyman, Ruben worked mainly on B pictures. He wrote the screenplay for Gregory La Cava's tearjerker "Symphony of Six Million" (1932), directed "Riff Raff" (1936), a good comedy-drama starring Spencer Tracy and Jean Harlow, and produced several Wallace Beery vehicles, notably "Sergeant Madden" (1939). Ruben also had the dubious distinction of producing "Her Cardboard Lover" (1942), a flop that ended star Norma Shearer's career. His other credits include "The Public Defender" (1931), "The Phantom of Crestwood" (1932), "Java Head" (1935), "The Bad Man of Brimstone" (1938), "Maisie" (1939), "Flight Command" (1941), and "Tennessee Johnson" (1942). He died of a heart attack during production of "Assignment in Brittany" (1943).
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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