AKA: Mihaly Kertesz, Kertesz Mihaly, Michael Kertesz, Mahala Kurtez, Michael Courtice
Nationality: Hungarian
Birthdate: 12/24/1888
Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary
Death Date: 04/11/1962
biography
One of the most prolific directors in the history of the cinema, Hungarian-born Michael Curtiz has often received short shrift from proponents of the auteur theory for his willing participation in the studio system as the top helmsman at Warner Bros. in the 1930s and 40s. He tirelessly hammered out four or five films a year for the studio through the 30s, as ready to take on low-budget programmers as more prestigious assignments, and was amazingly adept at creating lavish results on minimal budgets in a wide variety of genres. He also earned a reputation as one of the most hated directors in
Made first stage appearance in an opera starring his mother
1906
Ran away to join a traveling circus at age 17, performing with them as strongman, acrobat, juggler and mime
After completing studies, joined the Hungarian National Theatre, eventually working as actor and director
Reputedly was a member of the Hungarian fencing team at the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games
1912
Film directing debut (although no director credited), "Today and Tomorrow"; also played a leading role; film announced as 'The First Hungarian Dramatic Art Film'
