William Girdler | |
|---|---|
| Born | William Brent Girdler Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | January 21, 1978 |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1965-1978 |
William Girdler (October 22, 194 – January 21, 1978) was an American filmmaker. In a span of six years, from 1972 to 1978, he directed nine feature films in such genres as horror and action. Girdler also wrote and produced three of his features, Abby, Sheba, Baby and The Manitou.
Life and career
Girdler, born in Louisville, Kentucky,[1] He made his first films with a home movie camera at the age of 8 and by the age of 23, produced his first film Asylum of Satan.[2] He is the founder of the Mid-America Pictures corporation [2]
Among the film he directed was Aslym of Satan (1971), Three on a Meathook (1972), Zebra Killers (1973), Abby (1974), Sheba, Baby (1974), Project: Kill (1975), Grizzly (1976), and The Day of the Animals (1977). Grizzly was one of the top 10 grossing pictures in the United States in 1976. His final film, The Manitou, was made in 1977 and released a few weeks after his death.[2]
Death
William Girdler died in a helicopter crash in the Philippines about 30 miles from Manila on January 21, 1978. Along with producer Patrick Allan Kelly, Girdler scouting filming locations for a film about drug smuggling.[2] The body was flown from Manila to Los Angeles where memorial service was set to be held.[2]
Personal life
Girdler was married to Avis Smith, and had a son: William Brent Girdler Jr; a daughter Barbara Laurice Girdler.[2]
References
- ↑ "William Girdler". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Crash Kills Filmmaker William Girdler". The Courier-Journal. January 23, 1978. p. 9.