Fred Zinnemann

Fred Zinnemann (1907–1997). Born in Vienna, the future director became fascinated with film while studying law. Along with Billy Wilder and Robert Siodmak, he worked on the prewar German film People on Sunday (1929), but then left for the United States to study movie-making. He made his name as a director with the 1944 drama The Seventh Cross starring Spencer Tracy. During his 60-year career, he shot over 20 features in a variety of genres and won four Academy Awards, although he is perhaps best remembered for the seminal western High Noon (1952). Zinnemann, who always prided himself on his realistic approach and authenticity, became renowned for his absorbing stories of loners whose moral integrity is tested by tragedy. Other films include From Here to Eternity (1953), The Nun's Story (1958), A Man for All Seasons (1966), and Julia (1977).

MFF Karlovy Vary