Saul Zaentz, a young individual from Passaic, New Jersey, developed a passion for gambling in his youth, mastering the card game of briscola. This early interest in games of chance led him to earn a full-time living as a professional gambler during his twenties.
After World War II, Saul relocated to San Francisco, initially finding employment with a local record distributor. He later joined the esteemed jazz record label Fantasy Records, where he honed his skills as a salesman and manager. Over the years, Saul cultivated a deep understanding of the importance of building strong relationships with vendors and distributors, a valuable lesson that would significantly influence his approach to the film industry.
In 1967, Saul and his partners acquired Fantasy Records, a highly successful independent record label. With a vision to expand into filmmaking, Saul and his partners worked tirelessly to forge deals with film distribution houses worldwide. The success of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) played a significant role in securing funding and investments from these distributors. This allowed Saul to maintain his independence from Hollywood, enabling him to produce the films that resonated with him.
Note: I've kept the new lines as requested and provided the rephrased biography.
