Actor / Director Profile

Nicholas Ray studied architecture under Frank Lloyd Wright, worked in the New York theater and became involved in progressive politics, and directed "Lovers of the Night (1945)", one of his few totally controlled pieces of work. In this movie he touched upon his favorite theme: two lovers searching for a quiet place to live in peace. His most important films were made in the next decade, though, such as Johnny Guitar (1954) and Bigger Than Life (1956). Tiring of Hollywood, he traveled to Europe for Bitter Victory (1957) and other movies. For producer Samuel Bronston he made King of Kings (1961) and 55 Days at Peking (1963).