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1 article from 2002

29 November 2002 | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Czech-born The French Lieutenant's Woman director Karel Reisz has died in London at the age of 76. The acclaimed film-maker died on Monday, but the cause of his death has not yet been revealed. Reisz played a key role in championing the populist Free Cinema movement, along with Tony Richardson and Lindsay Anderson, starting with his 1960 debut working-class drama Saturday Night And Sunday Morning, which introduced audiences to Albert Finney. That was followed by a remake of thriller Night Must Fall, the dark comedy Morgan, which showcased David Warner and gave Vanessa Redgrave her first starring role, and the biopic Isadora, also with Redgrave. His first US film was 1974's The Gambler, starring James Caan, followed by others including The French Lieutenant's Woman, which brought Meryl Streep her first Best Actress Oscar nomination in 1981. Screenwriter James Toback says, "His films always had a look of both propriety and elegance. But it was as a superb director of actors - and a creator of stars - on which Karel's esteem rested." For the past decade, Reisz concentrated on directing plays in London, Dublin and Paris. He is survived by his wife, actress Betsy Blair, and three sons, Toby, Matthew and Barney.

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1 article from 2002