Attilio H. Giannini (1874-1943) was trained as a physician, but became active in the banking ventures founded by his family (Bank of America), notably as a pioneering and continuing financier of motion pictures. Having gained widespread recognition as both financial counselor and arbitrator in the film industry, Giannini was appointed President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of United Artists on July 7, 1936, succeeding Joseph M. Schenck. Increasing tensions within the corporation, particularly between Samuel Goldwyn and the other stockholders, led to Giannini's resignation on June 11, 1938 with over three years of his five year contract left to run.
