Producer Frank Yablans first worked in motion picture sales and marketing before working his way up the corporate ladder to become president of Paramount Pictures. During his four-year tenure, the studio released a slew of highly successful and acclaimed pictures, including "The Godfather" (1972), "Serpico" and "Paper Moon" (both 1973), and "The Godfather II", "Chinatown" and "Murder on the Orient Express" (all 1974). He then worked as an independent producer, counting among his credits movies like "Silver Streak" (1976), "The Fury" (1977, in which he also played a small role), "North Dallas