Fred Zinnemann (original) (raw)

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Description: Vienna-born Fred Zinnemann had childhood dreams of becoming a musician, and later planned on a law career, before his viewing of the movies of Erich Von Stroheim drew him into the movie business, initially as a cameraman. He came to the United States in 1929, and later found work as an editor, and subsequently as an assistant to documentary filmmaker Robert Flaherty, and then as an assistant to choreographer Busby Berkeley. He joined MGM in the late '30s as a director of comedy shorts, and won an Academy award for his 1938 short subject That Mothers Might Live. Zinnemann moved up to full-length features in 1941, but found little Vienna-born Fred Zinnemann had childhood dreams of becoming a musician, and later planned on a law career, before his viewing of the movies of Erich Von Stroheim drew him into the movie business, initially as a cameraman. He came to the United States in 1929, and later found work as an editor, and subsequently as an assistant to documentary filmmaker Robert Flaherty, and then as an assistant to choreographer Busby Berkeley. He joined MGM in the late '30s as a director of comedy shorts, and won an Academy award for his 1938 short subject That Mothers Might Live. Zinnemann moved up to full-length features in 1941, but found little opportunity to work on anything but B-pictures until 1948, with The Search, a drama set in post-World War II Europe. He didn't really become a major recognized box-office name as a director, however, until 1952 when his Western drama High Noon, starring Gary Cooper, which had been perceived by most observers as headed for commercial disaster, became a monster box-office hit and a multi-Academy award nominee. Zinnemann's handling of From Here to Eternity solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood's most reliable hands at dealing with difficult screen material. Comfortable in most genres, Zinnemann subsequently excelled in musicals (Oklahoma!), adaptations of stage work (A Man for All Seasons, for which he won another Oscar), and thrillers (Day of the Jackal). Along with Billy Wilder, Zinnemann represented the most successful of expatriate European directors in Hollywood. ... (more) (less)

Tags: Died 1997 (1), Directed A Best Picture Winner (1), Oscar Winning Director (1), Born April 29 (1), Austrian-born (1), Died Aged 89 (1), Born 1907 (1), Caucasian (1), Writer (1), Deceased (1), Director (1), Actor (1), Producer (1), Male (1), Oscar Winner (1), American (1)

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TCM’s The Essential Directors (56 person items)

"Must-See Movies The Search High Noon From Here to Eternity Oklahoma! The Nun’s Story A Man for All Seasons The Day of the Jackal Julia "

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Films that Director's Never Got to Make or Wanted (81 person items)

"1958 The Old Man and the Sea (fired - conflict with star Spencer Tracy as Zinnemann wanted to make the movie in real sea and boat) 1963 The Day Custer Fell (too expensive to make a lowbudget version without his involvement "Custer of the West" was made before his film became possible. Toshiro Mifune was set to star as "Sitting Bull") 1969 Man's Fate (pulled a week before shooting. Was to star Max von Sydow, Peter Finch, Liv Ullmann and David Niven. "

darthjoker12 added this to a list 8 years, 6 months ago

Oscars 1954 Winners (My Version) (26 movies items)

"Best Director! Winner: Fred Zinnemann, From Here to Eternity! Nominees: Charles Walter - Lili William Wyler - Roman Holiday George Stevens - Shane Billy Wilder - Stalag 17"

Fimc14 added this to a list 8 years, 6 months ago