FACT - William Fox began his US career in the garment trade and moved into the penny arcade business in 1904. He went on to develop successful film exhibition, distribution, and production operations, merging all three interests with the formation of the Fox Film Corporation. One of the most powerful and creative studios of the silent era. Fox owned over 500 movie houses in the US. His company merged with 20th Century Pictures to form 20th Century Fox in 1935.