W.S. Van Dyke

Born: 1889-03-21

Birthplace: San Diego, California, USA

Biography

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Woodbridge Strong "W. S." Van Dyke II (Woody) (March 21, 1889 – February 5, 1943) was an American film director and writer who made several successful early sound films, including Tarzan the Ape Man in 1932, The Thin Man in 1934, San Francisco in 1936, and six popular musicals with Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. He received two Academy Award nominations for Best Director for The Thin Man and San Francisco, and directed four actors to Oscar nominations: William Powell, Spencer Tracy, Norma Shearer, and Robert Morley. Known as a reliable craftsman who made his films on schedule and under budget, he earned the name "One Take Woody" for his quick and efficient style of filming.

Known For

The Birth of a Nation
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
Tarzan the Ape Man
White Eagle
California
Rage in Heaven
The Thin Man
It's a Wonderful World
Naughty Marietta
The Prisoner of Zenda

Top Movie Credits

The Birth of a Nation Assistant Director
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages Second Assistant Director
Tarzan the Ape Man Director
White Eagle Director
California Director
Rage in Heaven Director
The Thin Man Director
It's a Wonderful World Director
Naughty Marietta Producer
The Prisoner of Zenda Co-Director