Came Up Through the Ranks of MGM : Jack Cummings; Film Musical Producer

Jack Cummings, who worked his way up from a job as an MGM office boy to become producer of some of Hollywood’s more successful musicals during a 30-year career, died Friday.

He was 84 and died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center of heart failure, family members said.

Nephew of Studio Mogul

The nephew of studio mogul Louis B. Mayer, Cummings followed his uncle into the film business, working as an office boy, script clerk, assistant director and short subject director for MGM studios before producing his first feature film, “The Winning Ticket,� a comedy, in 1934.

Cummings produced dozens more films during the next 30 years. Although he also made comedies and dramatic films, he is perhaps best noted for the musicals he produced, including “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,� “Kiss Me Kate!� “Born to Dance,� “Broadway Melody of 1937� and “Interrupted Melody.�

Other films produced by Cummings include “Go West,� “Bathing Beauty,� “The Stratton Story,� “The Teahouse of the August Moon,� “The Blue Angel� and “Can Can.� His last film was “Viva Las Vegas� in 1964.

More Than 100 Films

Cummings had a hand in the production of more than 100 films at MGM, from which many of the best and most enduring musicals came. On the films he produced, he was known for taking part in almost all aspects of film making, from choreography to costuming to direction.

Family members said “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers� was Cummings’ favorite film. The film was made on a back lot at MGM at the same time other more expensive musicals with stage-famed titles were being made in the center stage studios. However, when Cummings’ film was released, it became MGM’s biggest hit in 1954.

Cummings is survived by four daughters; Carla Luisa Cummings and Cathy St. Aubin Cummings of Los Angeles, Julie Siff, of New York, and Linda Cummings of Louisville, Ky., and three grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at Hillside Memorial Park.