King Vidor

Date of Birth: February 8, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: November 1, 1982

Biography

King Wallis Vidor was an influential American film director, producer, and screenwriter whose career spanned nearly seven decades and included silent films, talkies, and color films. Born in Galveston, Texas, Vidor began his career in the early 1910s and quickly became known for his innovative techniques and storytelling prowess. He directed some of the most memorable films in Hollywood history, including “The Big Parade” (1925), “The Crowd” (1928), and “War and Peace” (1956). Known for his versatility, Vidor successfully transitioned from silent films to sound films, and his work often explored themes of American life, social issues, and human resilience. Throughout his career, Vidor received multiple Academy Award nominations and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1979. He passed away in 1982, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence filmmakers today.

5 Interesting Facts about King Vidor

1. King Vidor directed the famous “Over the Rainbow” sequence in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) after the original director, Victor Fleming, left the project.

2. Vidor was one of the founding members of the Directors Guild of America.

3. He directed one of the first sound films, “Hallelujah” (1929), which was also one of the first major studio films to feature an all-African-American cast.

4. Despite his long career, King Vidor never won a competitive Oscar, although he was nominated five times for Best Director.

5. Vidor was known for his collaboration with cinematographer Gregg Toland, who later became famous for his work on “Citizen Kane” (1941).

5 Most Interesting Quotes from King Vidor

1. “The audience may forget a plot, the witty dialogue, or the special effects, but they’ll always remember the characters.”

2. “A director must be a policeman, a midwife, a psychoanalyst, a sycophant, and a bastard.”

3. “I was always an independent, even when I had a contract with a major studio.”

4. “Realism is something you strive for in life and in art.”

5. “The most important thing for a director is to maintain the integrity of the story.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, King Vidor’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, which would be much higher when adjusted for inflation today.