born Canadian director Arthur Hiller, who has spent over a decade working primarily in television before a career based block that included "Love Story", "the Americanization of Emily" and the comedy "Silver Streak", died Wednesday. He was 92.
"Love Story," based on the bestseller by Erich Segal, was a huge box office in 1970 and was nominated for seven Oscars, including best picture. While many critics dismissed the film as overly sentimental, it is No. 9 on the list of AFI of the most romantic movies of all time.
Hiller served as president of the Directors Guild of America from 1989 to 1993 and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences from 1993 to 1997. He received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the ceremony of the Oscars 2002.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released a statement. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Arthur Hiller," said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. "I am a member of the Board during his presidency and had the chance to witness firsthand its dedication to the Academy and his passion for visual storytelling. "
The DGA also addressed the news with statements Wednesday. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Arthur. As a tireless crusader in the fight for the rights of creators and advocate preservation film enthusiast, the impact of Arthur Hiller on the fabric of our industry will be felt for future generations, "said President of the DGA Paris Barclay." as president of the Guild, Arthur was a warm and nurturing father figure who was deeply concerned about the well-being and professional of each of our members. That put pressure on Capitol Hill for the artistic integrity of the filmmakers in the world, negotiating with the studios to ensure the health and pension provisions for our families, or to establish the first committee to advance the possibilities for women and minorities, the passion of Arthur was exemplary and inspiring. Our Guild is stronger because of it, and our hearts are with his family at this difficult time. "
" Arthur's presidency was marked by a singular passion and deep moral obligation to protect our members' creative and economic freedoms, "said DGA National Executive Director Jay D. Roth. "Her spirited leadership as founding president of the Artists Rights Foundation in the early 1990s contributed to safeguarding against the physical alteration of the creative work of our members, both in film and television. As said Arthur once with his famous plume-of-fact, "Just because you bought the Mona Lisa, does not mean you have the right to paint a mustache on it." Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the many people who loved "
the filmmaker went on a hot streak in 1970 and 1971 with Neil Simon's" the out of Towners ;. "" Love Story, "boasted black comedy" The hospital, "for Paddy Chayefsky which won best screenplay and George C. Scott received an actor's name; and "Plaza Suite," an adaptation of Simon his own game.
The series ended with the 1972 "Man of La Mancha," with Peter O'Toole and Sophia Loren, which attracted neither acclaim critical or significant box office. Hiller continued to run until 2006, but never reached the same level of success again.
Hiller led a number of high-profile films in the 60s, including "The Wheeler Dealers," with James Garner and Lee Remick and in 1964 received big budget "Americanization Emily, "with Garner and Julie Andrews.
He "Promise Her Anything," with Warren Beatty and Leslie Caron in 1965 and -hearted light "Penelope" with Natalie Wood in 1966. The following year Hiller directed his only film war, "Tobruk" with rock Hudson and George Peppard.
in 1976, Hiller has crossed the biopic "WC Fields and Me," with Rod Steiger, and the popular comedy "Silver Streak," starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. success was also his 1979 action comedy "The In-Laws" with Peter Falk and Alan Arkin, although his foray into the horror of this year, "Nightwing," was a dud.
1982 romantic drama triangle Hiller "Making Love" was not a success, but bravely tackled homosexual themes. He followed with "Author! Author!" With Al Pacino. His other films of the 80 included Steve Martin "The Lonely Guy"; "Outrageous Fortune" with Shelley Long and Bette Midler; 1989 and "See No Evil, Hear No Evil," which brought together Wilder and Pryor, but failed to live up to its high concept (the Wilder character is deaf, blind Pryor).
Hiller continued with comedies, making it "Take Care of Business" in 1990 and "Married to It" in 1991.
He changed genres and made historic sports pic " the babe, "with John Goodman, in 1992 and returns to comedy with" sharing "in 1996.
in 1997 came the complex disorder Joe Eszterhas-scripted known as a" Smithee Film Alan: Burn Hollywood Burn. "a movie about making a bad film that was as bad as its intra-peak peak
Hiller's last film was the similarly failed" National Lampoon Pucked ".
"Love Story" star Ali MacGraw released a statement on the news of his death Wednesday: "Arthur Hiller was part of one of the most important experiences of my life. It was remarkable, talented, generous human being and I will miss him terribly. My heart and love are with his family. "
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1942 to 1945, graduated from University College, University of Toronto in 1947 and received a Master of Arts in psychology in 1950. He began his show business career working for the CBC in Toronto in the early 50s, but eventually left for American television.
Hiller was busy working as a director in episodic anthology series of the 50s and early 60s, starting with four episodes of "Matinee Theatre" in 1955-56. He also made six episodes of "Playhouse 90" from 1956 to 1958 and three episodes of "Telephone time" 1957-1958.
During this time, he made his feature directorial debut with 1957 "the Careless Years," a teen love story that showcased Dean Stockwell and Natalie Trundy
. He has directed seven episodes of "the Third Man" series in 1959. He also worked on "Perry Mason," "the Rifleman" and "Gunsmoke" and many others shows.
he made the Disney movie "Miracle of white stallions" in 1963, after which he became a director of high-profile films.
Hiller is survived by his daughter, Erica Hiller Carpenter, his son, Henryk, and five grandchildren. Gwen Hiller, his wife of 68 years, died in June.
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