Richard Thorpe

Richard Thorpe, whose real name is Rollo Smolt Thorpe, was an American film director. He gained fame through his long-term career at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. His versatility was remarkable as he was always ready to undertake any assignment handed to him. Some of his favorite movies include Night Must Fall (1937) and Two Girls and a Sailor (1944). His passion for the motion picture industry earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Richard Thorpe began his career in entertainment performing in vaudeville and onstage. He directed his first film in 1923 and went on to direct over 180 films. He worked frequently at the Poverty Row studio Chesterfield Pictures during the 1930’s. However, his contribution to the world of cinema was not without controversy. Thorpe was the original director of The Wizard of Oz (1939), but he was relieved of his duties as his scenes did not have the right air of fantasy about them. He made several films with Esther Williams, but their working relationship was strained due to difference in personalities and work ethics. Despite such hurdles, Thorpe's direct approach and ability to bring a script to life led a colleague to call him the 'most efficient director' they had ever known. Thorpe retired from the film industry in 1967.