King Vidor

American film producer and director, an early pioneer in film making from 1918 with a career spanning silent comedy to modern spectaculars. His work includes the first all-sound film, "Hallelujah!," 1929, "The Champ," 1931, "War and Peace," 1956 and "Metaphor," 1979.

Vidor’s infatuation with films started with nickelodeons, where he worked as a ticket taker and projectionist. In 1915, he headed for Hollywood from his native Galveston, Texas, with a new wife, Florence. He directed some one-and-two reelers before making "The Turn of the Road," his first feature film, in 1919. "The Big Parade" in 1925 established him as a Hollywood director.

His themes ranged from collective strength of workers such as in "Our Daily Bread," 1934 to psychology and the power of women as portrayed in "Stella Dallas," 1937. In 1949, he made "The Fountain Head" from Ayn Rand’s novel. He also made "War and Peace," 1956.

He received a special Academy Award in 1979 for achievements as a creator and innovator.

Vidor died on 1 November 1982 in Paso Robles, California.