Sturges, Preston (1898-1959), was an American motion-picture writer and director. He became famous for films that brilliantly satirize aspects of American life. The Great McGinty (1940) satirizes crooked politicians. Sullivan’s Travels (1941) attacks the false values Sturges saw mirrored in Hollywood. The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (1944) and Hail the Conquering Hero (1944) deal with small-town politics and the idealization of military heroes. Sturges also wrote and directed Christmas in July (1940), The Lady Eve (1941), and Unfaithfully Yours (1948). All show Sturges’ skill at writing witty dialogue and creating slapstick comedy.
Sturges was born Edmund Preston Biden in Chicago on Aug. 29, 1898. He was adopted by his mother’s third husband and took his last name. Sturges wrote several Broadway plays before going to Hollywood in 1932. They include the Broadway comedy hit Strictly Dishonorable (1929). His autobiography, Preston Sturges, was published in 1990. He died in New York City on Aug. 6, 1959.
