Preston Sturges

Featuring razor-sharp wit and astringent dialogue, writer-director Preston Sturges ranked as one of American cinema's most gifted creative talents. After emerging from the theater world, Sturges almost singlehandedly redefined the screwball comedy as a director, while getting his start as a writer on such varied movies as the adaptation of H.G. Wells' "The Invisible Man" (1932), the time-shifting drama "The Power and the Glory" (1933), the biopic "Diamond Jim" (1935), and the historical drama "If I Were King" (1938). But it was as a director that Sturges left his most indelible mark. Frustrated with his lack of control as a writer, he took the reins of production to helm such classics as "The Great McGinty" (1940) and "The Lady Eve" (1941). He delved into more satirical waters with "Sullivan's Travels" (1941) and "The Palm Beach Story" (1942), before stumbling over the box office failure of "The Great Moment" (1944). Sturges triumphed again with two more classics, "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek" (1944) and "Hail the Conquering Hero" (1944), but once again felt the need for independence after studio meddling. He freed himself from his contract to work independently with millionaire Howard Hughes. But after the failed Harold Lloyd comeback vehicle, "The Sin of Harold Diddlebock/Mad Wednesday" (1947), Sturges had an irreparable failing out with Hughes. Though he managed a critical success with "Unfaithfully Yours" (1948), his career was nearing its end. Sturges nonetheless remained one of Hollywood's most respected pioneers, particularly with his ability to meld smart, witty comedy with social commentary.