Tony Curtis

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Tony Curtis, born Bernard Schwartz on June 3, 1925, in the Bronx, New York, was an iconic American actor whose career spanned over six decades.

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He arrived in Hollywood in the late 1940s following enlistment in the US Navy during WWII and signed with Universal Pictures, debuting with an uncredited appearance in Criss Cross (1949). Rising to fame in the 1950s, Curtis became known for his handsome looks, charm, and versatility on screen.

 

He starred in numerous classic films, including The Defiant Ones (1958), Spartacus (1960) and Some Like It Hot (1959) alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon, where his comedic flair earned him critical acclaim.

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He focused more on comedies during the 1960s but his turn in The Boston Strangler (1968) emphasised he could still impress in dramatic roles. He starred alongside Roger Moore in the early 1970s TV show The Persuaders and gradually began a slow withdrawal from screen acting, spending his later years concentrating on painting.

 

Despite facing personal challenges, including battles with addiction and health issues, Tony Curtis remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry thanks to his undeniable talent and charisma. He passed away on September 29, 2010, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of Hollywood's most enduring and memorable stars.

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Burt Lancaster

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Burt Lancaster, born in 1913 in New York City, was a versatile American actor and producer who left an indelible mark on the Golden Age of Hollywood.

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He started his working life as a circus acrobat but that ended following an injury and, after serving in WWII, a brief stint on Broadway led to an offer from Hollywood which began a 45-year career in films and television.

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His breakthrough was opposite Ava Gardner in Robert Siodmak's film noir The Killers (1946) and his athleticism and charisma were showcased in a variety of genres, from further gritty noirs to epic adventures and stirring dramas.

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Renowned for his rugged charm and commanding presence, Lancaster was an extraordinary popular leading man of his era. He received four Acadamy Award nominations during his career, including for the classic From Here to Eternity (1953), and he finally won for the role of con-man-turned-evangelist in Elmer Gantry (1960).

 

Off-screen, Lancaster co-founded a production company and used his platform to advocate for social causes, including civil rights and environmental conservation. His legacy as a talented actor and socially conscious advocate continues to inspire generations of performers and audiences alike.

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Alexander Mackendrick

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Alexander Mackendrick was born on September 8, 1912, in Boston, Massachusetts to Scottish parents. Following his father's death during the influenza pandemic he was sent to Scotland to live with his grandfather in 1919, attending school and then art college in Glasgow before moving to London to work in advertising.

 

During the Second World War, Mackendrick worked firstly for the Ministry of Information making British propaganda films before being employed by the Psychological Warfare Division.

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Following the war, he gained prominence for his work at Ealing Studios, directing some of the most beloved of British comedies including Whisky Galore! (1949) The Man in the White Suit (1951) and The Ladykillers (1955). He then moved to the United States, where he directed Sweet Smell of Success (1957) which, despite being poorly received initially, has grown in stature over the years and is now generally considered to be a masterpiece.

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He made several more films in both the UK and USA but took up the role of Dean of the California Institute of the Arts' film school in 1969, stepping down in 1978 to become a professor at the school. Notable students of Mackendrick's during this time include Terence Davies, James Mangold and Douglas Rushkoff. He passed away in 1993 aged 81 having left behind a relatively brief but vital contribution to cinematic history.