An American Investor in the Theatre Industry of Budapest

In the interwar period, an American theatre and film entrepreneur had a determinantimpact on private sector of Budapest. Ben Blumenthal (1883–1967) ran Vígszínház(Comedy Theatre) in 1920–1926 owned its building 1920–1949. addition, Blumenthalfinanced operation Fővárosi Operettszínház (Budapest Operetta 1922–1926.Although from global perspective, does not belong to group legendaryUS or movie producers, context Hungarian culture, he was mostinfluential mediator Hungarian–American cultural relations. The study aims piece together theundiscovered elements Blumenthal’s personal professional biography discuss how hisactivities were evaluated perspectives.Special emphasis will be given US entertainment press: Blumenthal’sinterviews his theatres, articles position transnationalproducers’ hierarchy, representation Vígszínház press. aim isto assess significance Budapest business activities within entire career.