It's not known for certain if the story is true, or if a Goldwyn aide released a fiction to the Hollywood press. A similar "too caustic" joke appeared earlier, January 1930, and involved two unidentified "Hollywood magnates." A May 1930 version cited an unidentified film producer and a June 1930 version mentioned an unidentified movie producer. An April 1934 version was spoken by the comedy team of George Burns (1896-1996) and Gracie Allen (1895-1964). The "too caustic" malaprop is a now business classic.
1. Capable of burning, corroding or destroying organic tissue.
2. (of language etc.) Sharp, bitter, cutting, biting, and sarcastic in a scathing way.
Samuel Goldwyn (born Szmuel Gelbfisz (Yiddish: שמואל גלבפֿיש‎); August 17 1879 – January 31, 1974), also known as Samuel Goldfish, was a Jewish Polish American film producer. He was most well known for being the founding contributor and executive of several motion picture studios in Hollywood. His awards include the 1973 Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1947, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1958.
Too caustic? To hell with the costs, we'll make the picture anyway.
'Why don't you get Jim Tully," suggested an executive.
George Burna and Gracie Allen were discussing hiring a Hollywood writer to work up new gags for use in their latest film, "Six of a Kind," now showing at the Rialto.
It's a favorite story about Sam Goldwyn that bobs up now and again and this time Eddie Cantor is the one who relays it. His "Kid Millions" by the way has been previewed and looks swell-o.
Speaking of "caustic commentators" brings to mind a story told about Samuel Goldwyn. In a story conference, Goldwyn suggested that a certain writer be hired.