Hungarian immigrant who came to America in his teens and worked his way up through the ranks to become an assistant director at Paramount in 1923. After producing several successful films in Europe, Pasternak revived the flagging fortunes of Universal with a series of hit musicals starring Deanna Durbin in the mid-1930s. He is also credited with discovering Judy Garland, who later starred in his musicals "Presenting Lily Mars" (1943), "In the Good Old Summertime" (1949) and "Summer Stock" (1950). Pasternak also cast Mario Lanza in "The Toast of New Orleans" (1950) and "The Great Caruso"
Emigrated to USA; first worked in a factory, punching holes in leather belts
Began studio career as a busboy at Paramount's Astoria studio in Queens, NY; worked his way up to waiter, actor and fourth assistant director
1923
Became a second assistant director at Paramount
1926
Joined Universal in Hollywood; wrote and directed first two-reel comedy with El Brendel, "Help Yourself" which helped him advance to asssistant director
1928
Appointed manager of Universal's operations in Berlin and as an associate producer (under European production supervisor Paul Kohner) earned $1,500 per week
