In a 1987 article in The New Republic, critic Stanley Kaufman wrote that Martin Ritt "is one of the most underrated American directors, superbly competent and quietly imaginative." While his films generally revolved around moral themes and he did not develop a particular visual style, Ritt became noted as a superlative craftsman with a particular affinity for actors, stemming no doubt from his own long and distinguished performing career. Indeed, he guided a baker's dozen of performers to Oscar nominations with three (Patricia Neal and Melvyn Douglas in "Hud" 1963 and Sally Field in "Norma
Stage debut as Crown in summer production of "Porgy and Bess" while attending St John's University
1937
Appeared in Group Theater productions
1937
Broadway debut in a walk-on part in the Group Theater production of "Golden Boy"; also was assistant stage manager and understudied John Garfield in the lead role
Served with US Army Air Force Special Forces during WWII; appeared in servicemen's stage production, "Winged Victory"
