Josef von Sternberg

Director, Writer, Producer, Editor, Composer, Actor

May 29, 1894 — November 22, 1969 (75 years)
Josef von Sternberg, born Jonas Sternberg (29 May 1894 – 22 December 1969) was an Austrian-born film director and is among the few whose career successfully spanned the transition from the silent to the sound era. He is considered one of the earliest 'auteur' filmmakers, having filled many other roles on his films including those of cinematographer, screenwriter, and editor. Sternberg's style influenced later directors, particularly those of the film noir period. He is particularly noted for his distinctive mise en scène, use of lighting and soft lens, and collaboration with actress Marlene Dietrich. Among his most important works are The Blue Angel (1930), Morocco (1930), Shanghai Express (1932) and The Scarlet Empress (1934). Andrew Sarris in his influential book of film criticism The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929–1968 included him in the "pantheon" of the 14 greatest film directors who had worked in the United States.

Movies & Shows on Plex

  • Morocco
    Morocco1930
  • The Last Command
    The Last Command1928

Known For

  • The Blue Angel
    The Blue Angel1930
  • Shanghai Express
    Shanghai Express1932
  • Morocco
    Morocco1930
  • The Scarlet Empress
    The Scarlet Empress1934
  • The Devil Is a Woman
    The Devil Is a Woman1935
  • Blonde Venus
    Blonde Venus1932
  • The Docks of New York
    The Docks of New York1928
  • The Last Command
    The Last Command1928
  • Underworld
    Underworld1927
  • Dishonored
    Dishonored1931
  • Duel in the Sun
    Duel in the Sun1946
  • The Shanghai Gesture
    The Shanghai Gesture1941
  • Jet Pilot
    Jet Pilot1957
  • Crime and Punishment
    Crime and Punishment1935
  • Macao
    Macao1952
  • It
    It1927
  • Anatahan
    Anatahan1953
  • Thunderbolt
    Thunderbolt1929
  • An American Tragedy
    An American Tragedy1931
  • I Take This Woman
    I Take This Woman1940

Filmography

2014
1998
1990
1967
1965
The Epic That Never Was · as Self - Interviewee
1964
1954
Camera Three · as Self
1952
Today · as Self - Guest

1996
1953
Anatahan · as Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
1917
A Girl's Folly · as Cameraman (uncredited)

1953
Anatahan · as Director Of Photography
1946
Duel in the Sun · as Co-Director
1941
The Shanghai Gesture · as Adaptation
1940
I Take This Woman · as Co-Director
1939
Lady of the Tropics · as Treatment
1938
The Great Waltz · as Co-Director
1935
The Devil Is a Woman · as Art Direction
1935
The Devil Is a Woman · as Director Of Photography
1934
The Scarlet Empress · as Art Direction
1929
Thunderbolt · as Adaptation
1928
The Last Command · as StoryOn Plex
1927
Children of Divorce · as Co-Director
1922
The Bohemian Girl · as Assistant Director