During the early part of World War Two, the father of the Kennedy dynasty, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr served as United States Ambassador to Great Britain. A known anti-war voice, upon seeing the behavior of the British regime in the early part of World War Two (during which America was still neutral), Joseph P. Kennedy said “Democracy is finished in England. It may be here, [in the US].”

His claim to fame was not just through politics and diplomacy, but the father of nine found it in Hollywood as well. The Film Booking Offices of America was a Hollywood film production company, which Joseph P. Kennedy, along with a few investors, would purchase for $1.5 million, which adjusted for inflation is almost $20 million today. Joseph Kennedy Sr. also began a successful hostile takeover of Keith-Albee-Orpheum Theaters Corporation (KAO), which owned over 700 movie theatres. He also purchased the Pathe Exchange.

Next, Joseph Kennedy sought to buy the Pantages Theatre company, offering $8 million. It was declined, so Kennedy stopped distribution of his movies to Pantages Theatre in a hope to break their will and force them to sell. The owner, Alexander Pantages, still refused. Pantages would soon be charged with rape, and acquitted, but the stain on his reputation during the process led him to accept a new offer of only $3.5 million from Joseph Kennedy.

Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., the father of nine individuals who all played a significant role in the world to come, would go on to profit roughly $5 million dollars from his Hollywood ventures.