Entry in progress—B.P.
 
Wikipedia: Carl Laemmle
Carl Laemmle (krl.lɛm.li/; born Karl Lämmle; January 17, 1867 – September 24, 1939) was a German pioneer in American film making and a founder of one of the original major Hollywood movie studios – Universal. Laemmle produced or was otherwise involved in over four hundred films.
 
Regarded as one of the most important of the early film pioneers, Laemmle was born in Laupheim in the Kingdom of Württemberg. He emigrated to the United States in 1884, working in Chicago as a bookkeeper or office manager for 20 years. He began buying nickelodeons, eventually expanding into a film distribution service, the Laemmle Film Service.
     
8 May 1921, Trenton (NJ) Sunday Times-Advertiser, “Film Smiles,” pt. 2, pg. 6, col. 3:
Louis J. Selznick.was chatting with a group of photoplay producers when the subject of conversation turned to film comedies. Various types of comedies were discussed in a perfunctory way until one special number was highly praised because it was not “rough stuff.”
 
After standing it as long as he could, a producer of “slapstick” works of “art” spoke up with great self-importance and said:
 
“Well, while you are talking about my comedies, I want you to know that my comedies are not to be laughed at.”
 
15 September 1926, Manitowoc (WI) Herald-News, “Main Street,” pg. 3, col. 3:
At a banquet at Chicago Carl Laemmle, noted picture maker, was talking earnestly about his production and he clinched his point with, “And boys, our comedies are not to be laughed at.” We think we have seen that kind ourselves.