Brut Productions

Brut Productions was a film production company that was an offshoot of Fabergé cosmetics under George Barrie.
History
Barrie began thinking about becoming involved in movie production when producer Mike Frankovich asked Fabergé to make a mock advertisement for a scene in his film of The Love Machine. Barrie made an advertisement for a perfume, Xanadu. Sales of this shot up as a result of it being in the film.
The company began in March 1972. Cary Grant was on the board of directors and Roger Moore was an ambassador at large. Barrie said in July 1972 "We're not in business just for Cary or Roger to make the films they want."
"It's a diversification of Fabergé and is strictly commercial", said Moore.
Brut initially announced they would make five features and four TV productions. The features were Hugo the Hippo, then being filmed; Night Watch with Elizabeth Taylor and Laurence Harvey; A Touch of Class with Glenda Jackson; The Book of Numbers; and Getting Rid of Mr Straker with Roger Moore.
The four TV productions were The Protectors with Robert Vaughn and Nyree Dawn Porter; Anita in Jumbo Land with Anita Harris; Rexford with Glenn Stanley; and The Whistling Wizard, a Bil Baird puppet show. (Brut did not make the TV productions, they just distributed them in America.)
The company decided to move into distribution as well.
First films
In October 1972 the company announced they were moving to Los Angeles and that Martin Rackin was appointed senior vice president. The first three films they financed were Nightwatch, A Touch of Class and Book of Numbers. They were working on an animated musical in Hungary, Hugo the Hippo and paid $500,000 to distribute Count Your Bullets. Barri wanted to move into television production and music, including their own music label. Avco Embassy agreed to distribute the features .
Production of Getting Rid of Mr Straker was postponed when Roger Moore was cast of James Bond. The company financed Miracles Still Happen and Welcome to Arrow Beach.
The company had an early big success with A Touch of Class.
In October 1973 Sammy Cahn joined as a creative consultant. In December Ross Hunter was appointed president. He signed a distribution agreement with Warner Bros.
Struggles
However Hunter left in April 1974. George Barrie moved into producing with Whiffs.
Later films performed less well at the box office. Brut suffered losses from 1975 onwards.
They made two TV movies, Sweet Hostage and Black Market Baby.
Final years and current ownership status
Fabergé reported in 1981 the company lost $5.4 million. Fabergé sold their interest in 17 films in 1982 for an undisclosed amount to the Turner Broadcasting System.
Its entire library is currently owned by Warner Bros. through Turner Entertainment Co.
Select films
Cry for Me, Billy (1972) aka Count Your Bullets
Night Watch (1973)
A Touch of Class (1973)
Book of Numbers (1973)
Welcome to Arrow Beach (1973)
Miracles Still Happen (1974) aka The Story of Juliane Koepcke
Hangup (1974)
Mean Johnny Barrows (1974)
Whiffs (1975)
Sweet Hostage (1975)
Hedda (1975)
Hugo the Hippo (1975)
I Will, I Will... for Now (1976)
Nasty Habits (1977)
Thieves (1977)
Fingers (1978)
Black Market Baby (1977)
The Class of Miss MacMichael (1978)
The Dream Merchants (1980) (TV)
Unmade projects
Getting Rid of Mr Straker with Roger Moore, Lee Remick and Orson Welles
The Poison Crown based on Marlowe's Edward II starring Sarah Miles for producer Martin Poll and director Hicocx
Marble Arch
The Department Store
Vicki biopic of Victoria Woodhill written by James Toback
References
External links
Brut Productions at BFI
Film production companies of the United States
Warner Bros.