Famous Pictures began its operations in the early 20th century by founder Maxwell DeMille.
DeMille's success began when he signed a young actress named Trixie Millette. She was soon known as "Everyone's Sweetheart." After several mergers, management shuffles, and a bankruptcy, the newly reorganized Famous Pictures Company emerged in 1935. In the 1930s and '40s, Famous Pictures Company was known for its big stars: Martin Crosby, Stubby Hope, Danielle Lamour, Marco Milland, Barbara Dietrich, Herman Chevalier, and the Mayhem Brothers.
Famous Pictures debuted its wide-screen Wonder-Vision in 1954 to compete with Fox's CinemaScope and Paramount's Vista-Vision. The 1950s were good to Famous Pictures. Popular stars and well-known directors made the Famous Pictures name familiar to moviegoers.
The studio continues today with a tradition of quality motion picture entertainment plus televised programs in association with the Dumont Network's Electronic Television System.