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John Sturges

What's After the Movie

John Sturges

John Eliot Sturges was an American film director, renowned for directing influential films like Bad Day at Black Rock (1955), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), The Magnificent Seven (1960), The Great Escape (1963), and Ice Station Zebra (1968). In 2013 and 2018 respectively, The Magnificent Seven and Bad Day at Black Rock were added to the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically substantial.

Sturges launched his Hollywood career as an editor in 1932. During World War II, he contributed to the war efforts by directing a series of documentaries and training films as a captain in the United States Army Air Forces First Motion Picture Unit. His mainstream directorial career embarked with The Man Who Dared (1946), followed by numerous B movies, establishing his reputation for character-oriented drama within genre films. His encounter with Akira Kurosawa, who praised The Magnificent Seven (a remake of Kurosawa's Seven Samurai), was regarded by Sturges as the apex of his career. The film, with its noble twist on Yul Brynner's career and memorable score, later repurposed for a Marlboro cigarette commercial, was a significant career milestone for many young actors of the era.

8 movies
1 nomination

Biography, Career & Filmography

Learn more about John Sturges, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how John Sturges rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.


Given Name: John Eliot Sturges

Born: Oak Park, Illinois, U.S.

Citizenship: American

Birthday: January 3, 1910

Occupations: Film director

Years Active: 1932-1992

Awards and Nominations Received by John Sturges

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Explore the awards, honors, and nominations John Sturges has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.


10th Directors Guild of America Awards 1957

Nomination

Feature Film

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Career Timeline

Track the complete movie timeline of John Sturges, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.


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