Richard Brooks

Richard Brooks (born Reuben Sax; May 18, 1912 – March 11, 1992) was an American film director, screenwriter, journalist and novelist. He directed 24 feature films between 1950 and 1985, and was known for his portrayals of hard-hitting subject matter, psychologically complex characters, and his independently minded auteurist approach to filmmaking. His notable works included Blackboard Jungle (1955), Something of Value (1957), The Brothers Karamazov (1958), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (also 1958), Elmer Gantry (1960), Sweet Bird of Youth (1962), The Professionals (1966), In Cold Blood (1967) and Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977). He is also known for writing the films noir The Killers (1946), Brute Force (1947), and Key Largo (1948). Brooks was an eight-time Academy Award nominee, three for Best Director and five for Best Adapted Screenplay, winning once for the latter for Elmer Gantry. He was also a two-time Golden Globe, a six-time Directors Guild of America Award, and a BAFTA Award nominee. For his contributions to the film industry, Brooks has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.