Karel Reisz
- Known For
- Directing
- Born
- July 21, 1926 in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia
- Died
- November 25, 2002
- Active Years
- 1956–2012 (57 Years)
- Total Credits
- 23 credits in database
Biography
Karel Reisz was a Czech-born British filmmaker and producer who was active in post-war Britain. Born in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, on July 21, 1926, he was the son of a lawyer. As a child, he was one of the 669 children rescued and evacuated from Czechoslovakia by Sir Nicholas Winton. Reisz later became a pioneer of the new realist strain in British cinema during the 1950s and 1960s and was a founder member of the Free Cinema documentary film movement. His directorial credits include Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Morgan!, and The French Lieutenant's Woman. Reisz was married to Betsy Blair and Julia Coppard. He died in London, England, on November 25, 2002, at the age of 76.
Career overview
Karel Reisz was a Czech-born British filmmaker who was active in post-war Britain and served as a pioneer of the new realist strain in 1950s and 1960s British cinema. Born on July 21, 1926, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, he became a refugee during his youth as one of the children rescued and evacuated from the country by Sir Nicholas Winton. Reisz was also a founder member of the Free Cinema documentary film movement.
As a director and producer, Reisz worked in film throughout his career and is known for several notable motion pictures. His directorial credits include Saturday Night and Sunday Morning from 1960, Morgan! from 1966, and The French Lieutenant's Woman from 1981. Throughout his professional life, his contributions helped shape the landscape of British cinema during the post-war decades.
Reisz passed away on November 25, 2002, at the age of 76 in London, England. His legacy remains tied to his pioneering work in realist filmmaking and his foundational role in the Free Cinema movement.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
23 titles- Karel Reisz, Ten filmový život (2012) as Self (archive footage)
- The Power of Good: Nicholas Winton (2003) as Self
- Act Without Words I (2001) Director
- The Deep Blue Sea (1994) Director
- Performance (1991) Director
- Everybody Wins (1990) Director
- Sweet Dreams (1985) Director
- The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) Director
- Who'll Stop the Rain (1978) Director
- Spécial cinéma (1974) as Self
- The Gambler (1974) Director
- Film '72 (1971) as Self
- Isadora (1968) Director
- Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment (1966) Director
- Night Must Fall (1964) Director
- Night Must Fall (1964) Producer
- This Sporting Life (1963) Producer
- Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960) Director
- March to Aldermaston (1959) Director
- We Are the Lambeth Boys (1959) Director
- Every Day Except Christmas (1957) Producer
- Momma Don't Allow (1956) Director
- Momma Don't Allow (1956) Writer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Karel Reisz best known for?
Karel Reisz is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Grizzly II: Revenge (2020), The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981), Who'll Stop the Rain (1978), Spécial cinéma (1974).
When and where was Karel Reisz born?
Karel Reisz was born on July 21, 1926 in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia. They passed away on November 25, 2002.
How many credits does Karel Reisz have?
Karel Reisz has accumulated over 23 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2012.
What is Karel Reisz's background in cinema and television?
Karel Reisz was a Czech-born British filmmaker and producer who was active in post-war Britain. Born in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, on July 21, 1926, he was the son of a lawyer. As a child, he was one of the 669 children rescued and evacuated from Czechoslovakia by Sir Nicholas Winton. Reisz later became a pioneer of the ...
Karel Reisz by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Spécial cinéma (1974) as Self — aged about 47
- Film '72 (1971) as Self — aged about 44
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