South Africa: His Father's Son

When young Johnny Schlesinger took the helm of South Africa's sprawling Schlesinger Organization in 1949, many observers expected to witness another sad case of like father, unlike son. Patriarch I. W. Schlesinger had built his $84 million real estate and cinema-chain empire on thrift, hustle and an eye for the shape of things to come. At 26, Son John was a Harvard-educated playboy with plenty of hustle in a speedboat race and a keen eye for judging beauty queens. But John Schlesinger, after 14 years of stewardship, has fooled everyone. He has not only preserved his father's empire, but...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!