kazan, elia

Elia Kazan first made a name for himself on the Broadway stage, directing productions of such classics as The Skin of Our Teeth, Death of Salesman, and A Streetcar Named Desire. His venture to Hollywood was no less successful. He won an Oscar for only his second film, Gentleman?s Agreement, and his screen version of Streetcar has been hailed as one of the great film adaptations of a staged work. But in 1952, Kazan?s stature was compromised when he was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Kazan?s decision to name names allowed him to continue his filmmaking career, but at what price to him and the Hollywood community?.

An autobiography describing the life of the Greek immigrant who become a stage director, film director, and novelist.

A discussion of Kazan's work on various films and plays and with many actors and writers, covering his production of works such as "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Death of a Salesman," and "East of Eden," and attention to everything from set design to cinematography, casting, and costuming.

Chronicles the life of influential director Elia Kazan, discussing his childhood in Turkey, immigration to America, career achievements, and influence on the film industry.