An Incredible Directing Career Gets A Terrific Film Biography!
I love books about Hollywood history. there are usually two kinds: one is all gossip and scandal – these are fun to read but don’t give much insight into the filmmaking process.
The other kind of book focused on the Artist and the vision behind their films…and that’s what we have for this “Wednesday Bookmobile” – the inside stories of one of Hollywood’s legends:
Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures!
Author Joe Jordan just released his updated biography of the legendary director Robert Wise, and he sent it to me to see what I thought.
Well, I think it’s great!
The book is all about the craft of making movies, and the Author offers an in-depth look at each of his films, with a brief plot synopsis, behind-the-scenes stories and special interviews with cast members and others involved in the production.
And Robert Wise has been a vital part of Hollywood since his start as a Film Editor for RKO Pictures – he was Oscar-nominated for his work on “Citizen Kane” in 1941.
As for his relationship with Oscar, well look at this!
Wise won Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for both “West Side Story” in 1961 and “The Sound of Music” in 1965.
He was also directed and produced “The Sand Pebbles” in 1966, which was nominated for Best Picture.
Among his other films are “The Day the Earth Stood Still” in 1951, the chilling horror film “The Haunting” in 1963, and he brought an iconic TV show to the big screens with “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” in 1979.
At the time, the film was criticized for being too slow and bloated in its storytelling, but more than 40 years on, it has now become a classic.
Here is the trailer:
Wise has had a terrific career, working with Artists such as Boris Karloff, Julie Andrews, Natalie Wood and more, and he left behind some of Hollywood’s great achievements.
Wise was a master: “West Side Story” is as fresh today as it was when he made it. That film, and “The Sound Of Music”, are two of the greatest musicals ever made.
Jordan’s book digs into the origins of each script, along with casting, pre-production stories, tales of filming and post-production and information on the film’s premiere and more.
It’s great insight about the creative process on these classic movies. And the newly revised edition is now available on Amazon as well!
Wise died in 2005 at the age of 91 – what a life – and this terrific book documents it all!
Speaking of Hollywood legends who lived the life:
Vincent Price was SO much more than just a horror screen legend: and his daughter captured all of it in her insightful and revealing biography!
Click here to see it all:
Another legendary Hollywood character was Author and Screenwriter William Goldman:
He not only won the Oscar for his screenplays “Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid” and “All The President’s Men”, but he wrote the novel “The Princess Bride” as well!
See more of his illustrious career by clicking here:
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Categories: 70's Cinema, Academy Awards, Action Films, Art, Books / Media, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Hollywood, Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
He was involved in some incredible films
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The greatest of movies, and what a talented director. fabulous post, John.
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Thank you so much for reading!
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Always a pleasure, John!
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Excellent choice, John. I’d like to read this. WSS is in the top 3 of my favorite films of all time. 🙂
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I see NO reason fro a remake, but if it brings something new and fresh, then fine…but not necessary to re-do a masterpiece! Thanks as always for commenting, glad you are staying safe and sane!
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I’ve the wilderness here to explore. I babysit grands a lot. I’m active and well! Lots of reading and writing and walking the dog. I don’t turn on the television. I hope you’ve made a dent on your corn supply. Take care!
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Although I cannot abide The Sound Of Music’, I am a huge fan of Wise’s other films. A part of Hollywood history indeed. I rewatched ‘The Sand Pebbles’ on TV last year, and it still feels ‘epic’.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, we went to a “sing-a-long” version of the movie at The Hollywood Bowl…once the Nazis show up there’s not much left to sing!
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Being a huge fan of Robert Wise’s movies, I’m going to have to read this biography!
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It’s a story told through his work, which I liked because it gets into great details on the films!
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The Sound of Music is a great musical, John, and so is Westside Story. Interestingly enough, Sally also featured The Sound of Music this week for her music post.
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This is such a well-researched piece. I absolutely love how you depicted it.
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I’d love to read the book on Robert Wise. Sound of Music and West Side Story are two of my favorite movies!
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