Josef von Sternberg
- Known For
- Directing
- Born
- May 29, 1894 in Vienna, Austria
- Died
- November 22, 1969
- Active Years
- 1921–1996 (76 Years)
- Total Credits
- 79 credits in database
Biography
Josef von Sternberg was an Austrian-born film director. He was born on May 29, 1894, in Vienna, Austria. Sternberg's career spanned the transition from the silent to the sound era. He is considered one of the earliest 'auteur' filmmakers, having filled multiple roles on his films. His style influenced later directors, particularly those of the film noir period. Sternberg is noted for his distinctive mise en scène, use of lighting, and use of soft lens. He is particularly associated with actress Marlene Dietrich. Sternberg's known works include The Blue Angel, Morocco, and Shanghai Express. He directed a total of 48 films. Sternberg died on November 22, 1969, at the age of 75.
Career overview
Josef von Sternberg's directing career successfully spanned the transition from the silent to the sound era. He is considered one of the earliest 'auteur' filmmakers, having filled multiple roles on his films, including cinematographer, screenwriter, and editor. Sternberg's style influenced later directors, particularly those of the film noir period.
His distinctive mise en scène, use of lighting, and soft lens are notable aspects of his directing style. Sternberg collaborated with actress Marlene Dietrich on several films. Among his notable works are The Blue Angel (1930), Morocco (1930), and Shanghai Express. These films showcase his ability to adapt to the changing film industry and his influence on later filmmakers.
Josef von Sternberg's directing career is marked by his versatility and innovative approach to filmmaking. His influence can be seen in the work of later directors, particularly those associated with the film noir period. His collaborations with Marlene Dietrich and his use of distinctive cinematographic techniques have become hallmarks of his directing style.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
79 titles- No Angel: A Life of Marlene Dietrich (1996)
- The Epic That Never Was (1969) as Self - Interviewee
- Josef von Sternberg, A Retrospective (1969) as Interviewee
- Josef von Sternberg Interview (1968) as Self
- The World of Josef von Sternberg (1967) as Self
- Josef von Sternberg - From Silence Comes Another (1967) as Self
- Jet Pilot (1957) Director
- Anatahan (1953) as Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
- Anatahan (1953) Director
- Anatahan (1953) Director of Photography
- Anatahan (1953) Screenplay
- Anatahan (1953) Executive Producer
- Macao (1952) Director
- German Film Award (1951) as Self
- Duel in the Sun (1946) Co-Director
- The Town (1944) Director
- The Shanghai Gesture (1941) Adaptation
- The Shanghai Gesture (1941) Director
- The Shanghai Gesture (1941) Writer
- I Take This Woman (1940) Co-Director
- Sergeant Madden (1939) Director
- The Great Waltz (1938) Co-Director
- I, Claudius (1937) Director
- The King Steps Out (1936) Director
- Crime and Punishment (1935) Director
- The Devil Is a Woman (1935) Director
- The Devil Is a Woman (1935) Director of Photography
- The Devil Is a Woman (1935) Art Direction
- The Devil Is a Woman (1935) Producer
- The Fashion Side of Hollywood (1935) Director
- The Scarlet Empress (1934) Director
- The Scarlet Empress (1934) Art Direction
- The Scarlet Empress (1934) Producer
- The Scarlet Empress (1934) Editor
- The Scarlet Empress (1934) Lighting Technician
- Shanghai Express (1932) Director
- Blonde Venus (1932) Director
- Blonde Venus (1932) Writer
- Blonde Venus (1932) Producer
- Blonde Venus (1932) Editor
- Dishonored (1931) Music
- Dishonored (1931) Director
- Dishonored (1931) Writer
- Dishonored (1931) Additional Music
- Dishonored (1931) Editor
- An American Tragedy (1931) Director
- An American Tragedy (1931) Writer
- An American Tragedy (1931) Producer
- The Blue Angel (1930) Director
- The Blue Angel (1930) Writer
- Morocco (1930) Director
- Marlene Dietrich, “The Blue Angel” Screen Test (1930) Director
- Thunderbolt (1929) Director
- The Case of Lena Smith (1929) Director
- The Last Command (1928) Story
- The Last Command (1928) Director
- The Street of Sin (1928) Story
- The Docks of New York (1928) Producer
- The Docks of New York (1928) Director
- The Drag Net (1928) Director
- Children of Divorce (1927) Co-Director
- Underworld (1927) Director
- The Exquisite Sinner (1926) Director
- The Exquisite Sinner (1926) Writer
- A Woman of the Sea (1926) Director
- A Woman of the Sea (1926) Writer
- 1925 Studio Tour (1925) as Self
- The Masked Bride (1925) Director
- The Salvation Hunters (1925) Director
- The Salvation Hunters (1925) Editor
- The Salvation Hunters (1925) Producer
- The Salvation Hunters (1925) Screenplay
- By Divine Right (1924) Scenario Writer
- By Divine Right (1924) Assistant Director
- The Bohemian Girl (1922) Assistant Director
- The Highest Bidder (1921) Assistant Director
- The Mystery of the Yellow Room (1919) Assistant Director
- A Girl's Folly (1917) as Cameraman (uncredited)
- Marlene Dietrich: Home Movies as Himself
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Josef von Sternberg best known for?
Josef von Sternberg is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Jet Pilot (1957), Anatahan (1953), Anatahan (1953), Anatahan (1953).
When and where was Josef von Sternberg born?
Josef von Sternberg was born on May 29, 1894 in Vienna, Austria. They passed away on November 22, 1969.
How many credits does Josef von Sternberg have?
Josef von Sternberg has accumulated over 79 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1921 to 1996.
What is Josef von Sternberg's background in cinema and television?
Josef von Sternberg was an Austrian-born film director. He was born on May 29, 1894, in Vienna, Austria. Sternberg's career spanned the transition from the silent to the sound era. He is considered one of the earliest 'auteur' filmmakers, having filled multiple roles on his films. His style influenced later directors, ...
Josef von Sternberg by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Anatahan (1953) as Narrator (voice) (uncredited) — aged about 59
- German Film Award (1951) as Self — aged about 57
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