What's After the Movie
William A. Wellman
William Augustus Wellman, known popularly as 'Wild Bill', was a significant figure in Hollywood's Golden Age, born on February 29, 1896. With several successful films under his belt, Wellman's career spanned many genres from crime and adventure to action, especially focusing on aviation themes. Some of his greatest contributions to film involved directing the first film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, Wings, in 1927. Also a notable screenwriter, producer, and actor, he thrived in various roles in the film industry, his first tryst with Hollywood's lights being with acting. Later, he worked his way up the ladder in direction and finally graduated to directorial roles, accumulating directing credits in over 80 films. He also received four Academy Award nominations and bagged the Best Original Story award for 'A Star is Born'. He was acknowledged with the Directors Guild of America's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1973. In his early years, Wellman was known for his valorous service as a combat pilot for Lafayette Flying Corps of the French Air Force during World War I. He notably earned a Croix de Guerre with two palms for valorous action.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about William A. Wellman, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how William A. Wellman rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: William Augustus Wellman
Born: Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S.
Citizenship: United States
Birthday: February 29, 1896
Occupations: Director, Producer, Writer, Actor, Pilot
Years Active: 1919-1958
Children: 7
Spouses: Helene Chadwick, Margery Chapin, Marjorie Crawford, Dorothy Coonan
External Links and Streaming Options
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Nothing Sacred
A Star Is Born
Safe in Hell
Beau Geste
The Public Enemy
Wings
Filmmakers in Action
Gable: The King Remembered
So Big!
My Man and I
This Man’s Navy
Across the Wide Missouri
Wild Boys of the Road
The Purchase Price
Story of G.I. Joe
Looking for Trouble
Yellow Sky
Beggars of Life
You Never Know Women
College Coach
The Ox-Bow Incident
Gallant Journey
Blood Alley
The Conquerors
Roxie Hart
Chinatown Nights
The President Vanishes
Night Nurse
Reaching for the Sun
The Next Voice You Hear…
1925 Studio Tour
The Man I Love
Heroes for Sale
Battleground
Woman Trap
The Great Man’s Lady
Men with Wings
Lady of Burlesque
Midnight Mary
The Star Witness
Magic Town
The Hatchet Man
Lilly Turner
The Iron Curtain
You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story
Good-bye, My Lady
Frisco Jenny
Stingaree
Central Airport
Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick
Island in the Sky
Other Men’s Women
The Happy Years
Robin Hood of El Dorado
Lafayette Escadrille
The High and the Mighty
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Screen Snapshots (Series 10, No. 8)
Dangerous Paradise
Buffalo Bill
Darby’s Rangers
Track of the Cat
Small Town Girl
Westward the Women
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of William A. Wellman, 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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