(1906 – 1987) Although he began as an actor and screenwriter, Huston’s legendary presence as a director of films about loners and dark struggles overshadows these achievements (and a series of cinematic failures as well). His first picture, The Maltese Falcon (1941) captured the ambience of the American anti-hero, which he developed in subsequent films with Humphrey Bogart, including Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948, Oscar for Best Director and Best Screenplay), Key Largo (1948) and The African Queen (1951).

His opposition to HUAC activities in Hollywood eventually led him to live in Ireland, whose culture he explored in his last movie, The Dead (1988). Other landmarks include the Asphalt Jungle (1950), Wise Blood (1979), where he also turns in a haunting performance and Prizzi’s Honor (1987). Huston also belonged to an American film dynasty: his father Walter (1884–1950) won an Oscar for his work in Treasure of the Sierra Madre; daughter Anjelica (1952–) won an Academy Award for Prizzi’s Honor and sons Tony and Danny have also been involved with film.