Huston << HYOO stuhn >> , John (1906-1987), was an American motion-picture director, screenwriter, and actor. Many of his movies focus on the darker side of life. They project a corrupt world of double-crossing, greedy characters. But many of his films also depict good-hearted types who serve as a contrast to such villains.
Some of Huston’s best films star Humphrey Bogart as a disillusioned hero, notably The Maltese Falcon (1941) and Key Largo (1948). Bogart also starred in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) and The African Queen (1951). Huston won Academy Awards for his directing and for the screenplay of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. His other major motion pictures include The Asphalt Jungle (1950), Moulin Rouge (1952), The Misfits (1961), Fat City (1972), The Man Who Would Be King (1975), Annie (1982), Prizzi’s Honor (1985), and The Dead (1987).
Huston began work in Hollywood as a screenwriter in the early 1930’s. In 1941, he made his directing debut with The Maltese Falcon. During World War II (1939-1945), he made several outstanding war documentaries, including The Battle of San Pietro (1945) and Let There Be Light (1946). Huston was also an actor. He appeared in a number of films, including The Cardinal (1963) and Chinatown (1974).
John Marcellus Huston was born on Aug. 5, 1906, in Nevada, Missouri. He died on Aug. 28, 1987. His father, Walter Huston, was also a famous actor. John Huston’s daughter Anjelica became a noted actress, his son Danny became a director and actor, and his son Tony became a screenwriter. John Huston’s grandson Jack Huston also became a noted actor.
