MGM v. Scheider
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| MGM v. Scheider | |
| Court | New York Court of Appeals |
|---|---|
| Citation | 360 N.E.2d 930 |
| Date decided | December 28, 1976 |
Facts
- Roy Scheider (1932-2008) = star of the Jaws movies, famous actor = defendant
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. = MGM = major movie studio = plaintiff
- The 2 parties signed a contract to complete a pilot movie & a related television series.
- Not all the details were spelled out in the contract. For example, MGM hadn't provided a starting date for the TV series.
Procedural History
- MGM sued Scheider in New York Supreme Court (trial court) for not completing a movie series.
- The trial court found that a contract existed between MGM & Scheider.
- MGM won in the trial court & Appellate Division.
Issues
Where parties have
- agreed to the essential terms of a contract &
- begun performance of a contract in good faith,
Holding
Yes. If parties have agreed to the essential terms & begun performance, & an objective method for deciding remaining terms exists, the contract is valid & enforceable.
Judgment
Affirmed
