# Henry Hathaway

> American film director and producer (1898-1985)

**Wikidata**: [Q457250](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q457250)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hathaway)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henry-hathaway

## Summary
Henry Hathaway was an American film director and producer (1898–1985) who worked in Hollywood for over six decades, directing notable films such as *The Big Combo* (1951) and *The Desperate Hours* (1955). He was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

## Biography
- Born: March 13, 1898
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Directing and producing influential films in Hollywood
- Employer(s): Various film studios, including Warner Bros., Columbia Pictures, and Universal Pictures
- Field(s): Film direction, film production

## Contributions
- Directed *The Big Combo* (1951), a film noir starring Glenn Ford and Frank Sinatra.
- Directed *The Desperate Hours* (1955), a thriller starring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.
- Produced and directed *The Last Wagon* (1956), a Western starring James Stewart.
- Directed *The Night of the Hunter* (1955), a crime drama starring Robert Mitchum, which was later adapted into a novel by author Davis Grubb.

## FAQs
**What was Henry Hathaway's most famous film?**
Henry Hathaway directed *The Night of the Hunter* (1955), a critically acclaimed crime drama starring Robert Mitchum, which became a classic of American cinema.

**Which studios did Henry Hathaway work for?**
Hathaway worked for major Hollywood studios including Warner Bros., Columbia Pictures, and Universal Pictures throughout his career.

**Did Henry Hathaway receive any awards?**
Yes, Henry Hathaway was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for his contributions to the film industry.

**What genre of films did Henry Hathaway specialize in?**
Hathaway was known for directing a variety of genres, including film noir, thrillers, and Westerns, though he is best remembered for his work in crime dramas.

## Why They Matter
Henry Hathaway's work shaped the landscape of American cinema, particularly in the 1950s, when he directed several influential films that remain significant in film history. His collaborations with top actors and his ability to craft compelling narratives contributed to the evolution of film noir and crime dramas. Hathaway's legacy endures through his films, which continue to be studied and appreciated by film scholars and audiences alike.

## Notable For
- Directed *The Night of the Hunter* (1955), a landmark crime drama that influenced later films in the genre.
- Produced and directed *The Last Wagon* (1956), a Western starring James Stewart.
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for his contributions to film.
- Worked with major Hollywood studios, including Warner Bros. and Columbia Pictures.

## Body
### Early Life
Henry Hathaway was born on March 13, 1898, in the United States. Little is known about his early life or education, but he began his career in the film industry in the 1920s.

### Career
Hathaway's career spanned over six decades, during which he worked as a director and producer for various major film studios. He directed notable films such as *The Big Combo* (1951), *The Desperate Hours* (1955), and *The Last Wagon* (1956). His most famous film, *The Night of the Hunter* (1955), starred Robert Mitchum and became a critical and commercial success.

### Influence
Hathaway's work had a lasting impact on American cinema, particularly in the realm of crime dramas and film noir. His films were known for their tight storytelling and strong performances, which influenced later directors. His collaborations with actors like Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and James Stewart further cemented his reputation in Hollywood.

### Legacy
Henry Hathaway passed away on February 11, 1985. His contributions to film continue to be celebrated, and his work remains a part of the canon of American cinema. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame serves as a testament to his enduring influence on the industry.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/1985/02/13/arts/henry-hathaway-dies-at-86-directed-more-than-60-films.html)
5. www.acmi.net.au
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. filmportal.de
11. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
12. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
13. Proleksis Encyclopedia
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File