# The Cannon Group

> film studio

**Wikidata**: [Q1033465](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1033465)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cannon_Group,_Inc.)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-cannon-group

## Summary
The Cannon Group was a major American film studio active from 1967 to 1994, known for producing and distributing low-budget, action, and exploitation films. Founded by Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, it became a significant player in 1980s cinema before facing financial decline and eventual dissolution. As a former entity, it is classified as a historically notable but defunct organization in the film industry.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: October 23, 1967
- **Dissolved**: 1994
- **Founders**: Menahem Golan, Yoram Globus
- **Headquarters**: United States
- **Industry**: Film production, distribution, cinema chain operation
- **Legal Form**: Privately held company
- **Parent Organization**: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
- **Aliases**: Cannon Films, Golan-Globus, Armata, Cannon Cinemas, 坎農集團 (Chinese), 坎农集团 (Chinese)
- **IMDb ID**: co0111886
- **Website**: http://cannonfilms.com/ (English)
- **Identifiers**:
  - **EIDR Party ID**: 10.5237/1ED8-EDA3
  - **TMDb Company ID**: 1444
  - **Letterboxd Studio ID**: cannon-group
  - **UniFrance Company ID**: 350816
  - **Freebase ID**: /m/037bm2
  - **Box Office Mojo Studio ID (archived)**: cannon
  - **National Library of Israel J9U ID**: 987007346992305171
- **Wikipedia Presence**: 21 language editions, including English, French, German, Japanese, and Russian
- **Production Output**: Feature films, particularly low-budget and action genres
- **Main Topic Category**: Category:Golan-Globus films
- **Sitelink Count**: 21

## FAQs
**When was The Cannon Group active?**  
The studio operated from its founding in 1967 until its dissolution in 1994, with peak activity in the 1980s.

**What type of films did it produce?**  
It specialized in low-budget, action, and exploitation films, contributing to the popularity of these genres during the 1980s.

**What happened to The Cannon Group after its decline?**  
After facing financial difficulties, the company was acquired by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and ceased operations in 1994.

**What are its notable identifiers and online presence?**  
The studio is recognized by multiple IDs, including IMDb (co0111886), TMDb (1444), and EIDR (10.5237/1ED8-EDA3), with a dedicated website and Wikipedia pages in 21 languages.

**Who were its key founders?**  
Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus founded the company, driving its production and distribution strategies.

## Why It Matters
The Cannon Group played a pivotal role in shaping 1980s cinema by mass-producing low-budget films that catered to global audiences. Its focus on action and exploitation genres helped launch the careers of actors like Chuck Norris and influenced the commercial film landscape. The studio’s rise and fall exemplify the volatility of the film industry, marked by rapid expansion, financial overextension, and eventual acquisition by MGM. Its legacy endures through cult classics and its impact on independent filmmaking strategies.

## Notable For
- **Prolific Output**: Produced over 200 films during its peak, dominating 1980s B-movie markets.
- **Genre Influence**: Popularized low-budget action and exploitation films globally.
- **Global Distribution Network**: Operated cinema chains and distributed films internationally.
- **MGM Acquisition**: Its 1986 acquisition by MGM highlighted its temporary industry dominance.
- **Cultural Legacy**: Associated with cult classics and the careers of notable action stars.

## Body

### History
The Cannon Group was founded on October 23, 1967, by Israeli filmmakers Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus. Initially focused on producing films for international markets, the studio expanded aggressively in the 1980s, acquiring distribution networks and cinema chains. By 1986, it was acquired by MGM in a $1.2 billion deal, but financial mismanagement led to its decline. The company ceased operations in 1994, with MGM succeeding it.

### Film Production and Distribution
The studio produced over 200 films, emphasizing low-budget action, horror, and exploitation genres. Notable releases included *The Delta Force* (1986) and *Over the Top* (1987). It distributed films globally and operated cinema chains under names like Cannon Cinemas. The company’s strategy prioritized quantity and market saturation, contributing to both its success and eventual financial strain.

### Corporate Structure and Affiliations
- **Legal Form**: Operated as a privately held company.
- **Parent Organization**: Acquired by MGM in 1986, which later managed its dissolution.
- **Headquarters**: Based in the United States, with international distribution reach.
- **Aliases**: Known as Golan-Globus, Cannon Films, and region-specific names like 坎农集团 (Chinese).

### Identifiers and Online Presence
The studio is cataloged across multiple databases:
- **IMDb**: ID co0111886
- **TMDb**: Company ID 1444
- **EIDR**: Party ID 10.5237/1ED8-EDA3
- **Website**: http://cannonfilms.com/ (English)
- **Wikipedia**: Featured in 21 language editions, including a main category for Golan-Globus films.

### Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Cannon Group’s high-volume production model influenced 1980s cinema, launching careers of actors like Chuck Norris and contributing to the global popularity of action films. Its financial collapse and acquisition by MGM underscored industry risks, while its catalog remains a subject of cult appreciation and film historical study. The studio’s multinational aliases and distribution networks reflect its ambitious global reach.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File