Michael Gordon
Director
About Michael Gordon
Michael Gordon was an American film director who began his career in theater before transitioning to Hollywood in the late 1930s. After establishing himself as a successful playwright and stage director, Gordon made his mark in cinema with a string of notable films spanning multiple genres, from film noir to romantic comedy. His 1950 adaptation of 'Cyrano de Bergerac' starring José Ferrer became his most critically acclaimed work, earning Ferrer an Academy Award for Best Actor. Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Gordon directed several commercially successful films, including the hit romantic comedy 'Pillow Talk' (1959) starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day. He was known for his ability to work with established stars and extract strong performances, particularly in dialogue-driven scenes. Gordon's career gradually slowed in the 1960s, and he made his final film in 1970 before retiring from directing. His legacy includes contributing to some of Hollywood's most memorable films during the Golden Age of cinema.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Michael Gordon was known for his sophisticated approach to both dramatic and comedic material, with a particular talent for handling dialogue-heavy scenes and character development. His directing style emphasized clear storytelling and strong performances from his actors, often bringing out nuanced portrayals in both dramatic roles and romantic comedies. Gordon had a keen eye for visual composition and was adept at creating atmospheric tension in his film noir work while maintaining a light touch in his comedies. He was particularly skilled at working with established stars and creating chemistry between his leading actors.
Milestones
- Directed 'Cyrano de Bergerac' (1950) which won José Ferrer an Academy Award
- Directed the hit romantic comedy 'Pillow Talk' (1959) starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day
- Successful transition from theater to film direction
- Directed multiple film noir classics including 'The Web' (1947) and 'Woman on the Run' (1950)
- Worked with major Hollywood stars including Lana Turner, James Mason, and Rock Hudson
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Director for 'Pillow Talk' (1960)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination - Best Picture for 'Cyrano de Bergerac' (1950) as producer
- Directors Guild of America Award nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures for 'Pillow Talk' (1960)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (located at 6423 Hollywood Blvd)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Michael Gordon significantly influenced mid-century American cinema through his diverse filmography that spanned multiple genres and helped define the romantic comedy genre during its golden age. His adaptation of 'Cyrano de Bergerac' brought classic literature to mainstream audiences in an accessible way, while 'Pillow Talk' helped establish the template for the sophisticated romantic comedy that would influence countless films that followed. Gordon's work reflected the changing social dynamics of post-war America, particularly in his exploration of gender roles and relationships in his comedies. His films continue to be studied for their technical craftsmanship and their role in shaping Hollywood's approach to both literary adaptations and original romantic comedies.
Lasting Legacy
Michael Gordon's lasting legacy in film history is marked by his versatility as a director who could successfully navigate between different genres while maintaining a consistent quality of filmmaking. His most enduring contribution is arguably his role in developing the modern romantic comedy, particularly through 'Pillow Talk,' which established conventions that would influence the genre for decades. Gordon's adaptation of classic literary works, most notably 'Cyrano de Bergerac,' demonstrated how classic literature could be successfully translated for contemporary cinema audiences. His film noir work, while less celebrated than his comedies, remains respected among genre enthusiasts for its atmospheric tension and psychological depth. Gordon's career exemplifies the journey of many Golden Age directors who adapted to changing audience tastes while maintaining their artistic integrity.
Who They Inspired
Michael Gordon influenced subsequent generations of filmmakers through his sophisticated approach to romantic comedy and his ability to blend humor with genuine emotional depth. His work on 'Pillow Talk' particularly influenced directors like Blake Edwards and later Nancy Meyers in their approach to the romantic comedy genre. Gordon's technique for creating on-screen chemistry between leads became a template for countless romantic comedies that followed. His adaptations of literary works demonstrated how classic material could be made accessible without sacrificing its artistic merit, influencing directors like Franco Zeffirelli and Kenneth Branagh in their approach to literary adaptations. Gordon's film noir work also influenced modern directors in the neo-noir movement, particularly in his use of urban landscapes and psychological tension.
Off Screen
Michael Gordon had a notable personal life that included a brief but highly publicized marriage to screen legend Elizabeth Taylor in 1957. The marriage lasted only ten months before ending in divorce, during which time they had one son together, Christopher Edward Gordon. Gordon later married Denise Gordon, with whom he remained until his death. He was known as a private individual who preferred to keep his personal life out of the spotlight, despite his high-profile connections in Hollywood. Gordon spent his later years in Los Angeles, remaining connected to the film industry through various professional relationships.
Education
Graduated from Johns Hopkins University, studied playwriting at Yale University
Family
- Elizabeth Taylor (1957-1958)
- Denise Gordon (1960-1993)
Did You Know?
- Was briefly married to Elizabeth Taylor from 1957-1958, one of her shortest marriages
- His son Christopher Edward Gordon with Elizabeth Taylor was born just before their divorce
- Started his career as a playwright before moving into film direction
- Cyrano de Bergerac
- was the first American film adaptation of Rostand's play to receive major critical acclaim',
- Pillow Talk was a massive commercial success, earning over $8 million on a $1.5 million budget
- Was one of the few directors who successfully worked with both dramatic actors like José Ferrer and comedy stars like Rock Hudson
- His film 'Woman on the Run' was considered lost for decades before being rediscovered and restored in 2010
- Served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, making training films
- Was a graduate of Johns Hopkins University where he studied literature
- His Hollywood Walk of Fame star was dedicated in 1960
In Their Own Words
The key to directing is knowing when to speak and when to let the actors find their own truth
Comedy is simply tragedy played at a different speed
A good director doesn't just tell people what to do, he creates an environment where creativity can flourish
The best films are made when everyone involved believes they're making something special
In both comedy and drama, the truth of the moment is what matters most
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Michael Gordon?
Michael Gordon was an American film director active from the 1940s through the 1960s, best known for directing the Academy Award-winning film 'Cyrano de Bergerac' (1950) and the hit romantic comedy 'Pillow Talk' (1959). He began his career in theater before transitioning to Hollywood, where he established himself as a versatile director capable of working across multiple genres.
What films is Michael Gordon best known for?
Michael Gordon is best known for 'Cyrano de Bergerac' (1950) starring José Ferrer, which won Ferrer an Academy Award for Best Actor, and 'Pillow Talk' (1959) starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day. Other notable films include 'The Web' (1947), 'Woman on the Run' (1950), 'Portrait in Black' (1960), and 'The Secret Ways' (1961).
When was Michael Gordon born and when did he die?
Michael Gordon was born on September 6, 1909, in Baltimore, Maryland, and died on April 29, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 83. He lived through most of Hollywood's Golden Age and witnessed the transition from the studio system to New Hollywood.
What awards did Michael Gordon win?
While Michael Gordon himself did not win major directing awards, his film 'Cyrano de Bergerac' won José Ferrer the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1950. Gordon received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director for 'Pillow Talk' in 1960 and was nominated for a Directors Guild of America Award for the same film. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Michael Gordon's directing style?
Michael Gordon was known for his sophisticated approach to both dramatic and comedic material, with particular skill in handling dialogue-heavy scenes and character development. His style emphasized clear storytelling, strong performances, and visual composition. Gordon excelled at creating chemistry between actors and was adept at both the atmospheric tension of film noir and the light touch required for romantic comedies.
Was Michael Gordon married to Elizabeth Taylor?
Yes, Michael Gordon was briefly married to Elizabeth Taylor in 1957-1958. Their marriage lasted only ten months but produced one son, Christopher Edward Gordon. The marriage was one of Taylor's shortest and ended in divorce, with Gordon later marrying Denise Gordon, with whom he remained until his death.
How did Michael Gordon influence cinema?
Michael Gordon significantly influenced mid-century American cinema, particularly the romantic comedy genre through 'Pillow Talk,' which established conventions that influenced countless films that followed. His adaptation of 'Cyrano de Bergerac' demonstrated how classic literature could be successfully adapted for contemporary audiences, and his film noir work contributed to the genre's development during its golden age.
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Films
1 film
