Article on Variety

It is inconceivable to us, as veteran observers of and participants in the entertainment industry, that a story could appear in the Los Angeles Times about Variety without so much as a mention of Tom Pryor.

Former assistant film reviewer and motion picture editor of the New York Times, and later Hollywood bureau chief for that paper, Pryor brought Daily Variety to its preeminence as a lucid, influential and highly respected trade journal during 25 years as its editor.

During his tenure, in a revolutionary move, Pryor redesigned and modernized Daily Variety’s format and contents. He assembled and retained a staff of highly motivated and loyal professional reporters, sub-editors, reviewers and columnists. He was an incorruptible editor, fiercely supportive of his staff, while demanding that they impose impeccable standards on themselves. His knowledge of the workings of the business is encyclopedic.

Hard-nosed and tough, he ran the paper with unassailable integrity. Woe betide anyone who would suggest that taking an ad might favorably influence a review. Yet his circle of friends in the industry ranged from the mail rooms to the upper echelons of management in the studios. Many an executive sought and received his advice and counseling.

He brought the paper to a degree of profitability never thought possible, without ever compromising principle. It is regrettable that The Times took no note of his presence at the paper.

WALTER SELTZER

DAVID GOLDING

JEROME PICKMAN

JOHN FLINN

Los Angeles