How did Robert Wise begin working in Hollywood?

Robert Wise began his career in Hollywood in 1933 after the Great Depression forced him to leave Franklin College. He secured a position in the film-shipping room at RKO Studios, where his brother was employed as an accountant.1

Following this entry-level role, Wise gained experience in various technical capacities, including sound, music, special effects, and assistant editing. By 1939, he had advanced to the position of full editor, working on notable films such as Bachelor Mother and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He later earned significant acclaim for his editing work on Citizen Kane and The Magnificent Ambersons. His transition to directing occurred in 1944 when he was tapped to replace the director of The Curse of the Cat People.1