Alexandr Korda Director Date of Birth: 16.09.1893 Country: Hungary

1. Biography of Alexander Korda
2. Establishment of London Films
3. London Films and Success
4. Legacy and Recognition

Biography of Alexander Korda

Alexander Korda (Korda) (September 16, 1893 - January 23, 1956) was a renowned film director and producer. Born as Sandor Laszlo Kellner in Pusztaturpaszto, Hungary, he grew up in a wealthy estate where his father was the manager. After his father's sudden death, Korda moved to Budapest, where he became a well-known left-wing journalist, writing under the pseudonym Sandor Korda. In 1912, he began working in the film industry and by 1914, he had become a director.

Establishment of London Films

In 1917, Korda founded his own company. During the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919, he was appointed as the film commissioner and participated in the nationalization of cinema. After the fall of the Soviets, he emigrated to Austria, then Germany, and eventually settled in Hollywood. He returned to Europe in 1931, briefly staying in France before finally settling in England.

London Films and Success

Korda's production company, London Films, became one of the leading producers of English films. His eighth film, "The Private Life of Henry VIII" (1933), directed by Korda himself, was a major success in the history of English cinema. With its domestic humor and lively portrayal of the lead character by Charles Laughton, the film marked a milestone in the development of costume dramas. Korda's subsequent directorial works in the genre of "private lives" of historical figures were highly praised by critics, such as "Rembrandt" (1936), and by the public, such as "That Hamilton Woman" (1941), which intertwined patriotic motifs with the theme of tragic loss, further compounded by the loss of social status for the heroine, making it particularly resonant during the war years.

Legacy and Recognition

After the war, Korda's company's dominant position began to decline. However, among the 45 films created with its participation, there were many outstanding works. Korda, a discerning connoisseur of cinema, had the ability to recognize and nurture talent. He played a significant role in the careers of several actors and directors, including Laurence Olivier and Carol Reed. In 1942, he was knighted in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.