Fleming, Victor (1883-1949), was an American motion-picture director who directed two of the most popular films in movie history. Fleming directed the musical fantasy The Wizard of Oz (1939) and won the 1939 Academy Award as best director for the historical epic Gone with the Wind. However, several people helped direct Gone with the Wind, and Fleming’s specific contribution remains in doubt.
Fleming was born on Feb. 23, 1883, in Pasadena, California. He began his movie career in 1910 as an assistant cameraman. Fleming worked under the noted directors Allan Dwan and D. W. Griffith for several years. He became a military photographer after the United States entered World War I in 1917. Fleming made his debut as a director in 1919.
Fleming directed many of his motion pictures for the MGM Studio. His most successful silent film was probably Mantrap (1926). Fleming directed notable silent and sound action films, including The Virginian (1929), Treasure Island (1934), Captains Courageous (1937), and Test Pilot (1938). Fleming also directed two hit movies that starred the glamorous actress Jean Harlow, Red Dust (1932) and Bombshell (1933). Fleming died on Jan. 6, 1949.
