Jack Smight: Movies & Box Office

John Ronald Smight, more famously known as Jack Smight, was a renowned American theatre and film director, remembered best for his exceptional works in popular films like 'Harper' (1966), 'No Way to Treat a Lady' (1968), 'Airport 1975' (1974), 'Midway' (1976), and 'Fast Break' (1979). Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jack attended Cretin High School and later joined the Army Air Forces, flying missions in the Pacific during World War II. After the war, he earned his degree from the University of Minnesota, and sought work as an actor in stage productions and radio before transitioning into directing. Jack's introduction to directing started with TV's 'The Good Egg of the Week' and shows like 'The Colgate Comedy Hour' and 'The Dennis Day Show'. Smight's first feature film was 'I'd Rather Be Rich' (1964), a life-changing opportunity despite the script not being particularly strong. Jack signed contracts with Warners to make six films a year and also signed a three-picture deal with Mirisch Brothers in 1966. He bought rights to the book The Illustrated Man leading to popular films like 'No Way to Treat a Lady'. Despite plans for other box-office hits like 'Damnation Alley', studio interference led to compromised results. His last film, 'The Favorite' or 'La Nuit du serail' was a U.S.-Swiss co-production. Jack's prolonged battle with cancer ended in Los Angeles in 2003.