A multitalented artist who made significant contributions to French New Wave cinema, directing iconic films like "Maya" and "Claude Sautet or The Invisible Master".
John Berry, the American film director, is best known for his remarkable contributions to Hollywood during the 1940s, before being blacklisted and subsequently exiled in France. Berry's career was marked by his innovative filmmaking style, which often pushed boundaries and sparked controversy.
Born Jak Szold in 1917, in the Bronx, New York, Berry grew up in a family of performers. His father, a Polish-Jewish immigrant, owned several restaurants, while his Romanian mother was an actress. Berry's early interests lay in music and dance, and he began performing in vaudeville at the age of four.
Dropping out of high school, Berry briefly worked as a boxer under the alias "Jackie Sold." However, it was his work as a comedian and master of ceremonies in the Catskill resorts that eventually led him to acting and, subsequently, filmmaking.
Berry's big break came when he was hired by the esteemed Mercury Theatre for its debut production, "Caesar" (1937). He worked alongside Orson Welles, assisting him in directing the 1942 production of "Native Son." Berry cherished the experience, later recalling it as "living near the center of a volcano of creating inspiration and fury, glamorous and exciting."
In 1943, Berry moved to Hollywood, where he attended Paramount Pictures' director-in-training program. He directed his first feature film, "Miss Susie Slagle's," starring Veronica Lake and Lillian Gish, under the guidance of John Houseman.
Berry's career took a dramatic turn when he refused to direct Paramount's 1946 spy film "O.S.S." starring Alan Ladd, citing creative differences. This led to his dismissal from Paramount and, subsequently, his inclusion on the Hollywood blacklist.
Following the blacklist, Berry moved to France, where he continued to work on various film projects. He directed "Casbah" (1948) for Universal, "Tension" (1950) for MGM, and "He Ran All the Way" (1951) starring John Garfield.
Despite his tumultuous career, John Berry's contributions to American cinema remain significant. His innovative filmmaking style, which often pushed boundaries, continues to inspire filmmakers today. Berry's story serves as a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Berry passed away on November 29, 1999, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate film enthusiasts and scholars alike.
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