Introduction
George Roy Hill was an American film director known for his ability to blend humor and drama in his films. He directed some of the most iconic movies of the 20th century, including The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Slaughterhouse-Five. Despite his contributions to cinema, Hill’s name is not as well-known as some of his contemporaries. In this post, we’ll explore the life and works of George Roy Hill and why he deserves to be remembered as one of the great directors of his time.
The Early Years
Childhood and Education
George Roy Hill was born on December 20, 1921, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father was a successful businessman who owned a chain of department stores, and his mother was an opera singer. Hill grew up in a wealthy family and attended the prestigious Blake School in Minneapolis. He then went on to study at Yale University, where he was a member of the Skull and Bones secret society.
Early Career
After serving in World War II, Hill moved to New York City to pursue a career in theater. He worked as an actor, director, and stage manager before transitioning to television in the 1950s. Hill directed episodes of popular shows like Playhouse 90 and Studio One before making his feature film debut in 1962 with Period of Adjustment.
The Films of George Roy Hill
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
One of Hill’s most famous films, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid tells the story of two outlaws (played by Paul Newman and Robert Redford) who rob banks and trains in the American West. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay.
The Sting (1973)
The Sting is perhaps Hill’s most iconic film, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford as a pair of con artists who set out to scam a mob boss in 1930s Chicago. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
Slaughterhouse-Five (1972)
Based on the novel by Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five is a science fiction film that explores the horrors of war and the concept of time travel. The film was a departure from Hill’s usual style, but it was well-received by critics and audiences alike.
The World According to Garp (1982)
The World According to Garp is a comedy-drama film based on the novel by John Irving. The film stars Robin Williams as a struggling writer and single father who must navigate the challenges of raising a family in the 1970s. The film received mixed reviews but was praised for Williams’ performance.
Slap Shot (1977)
Slap Shot is a sports comedy film about a minor league hockey team that resorts to violent tactics to win games. The film was a box office success and has since become a cult classic.
Legacy and Impact
George Roy Hill’s films have had a lasting impact on cinema, influencing generations of filmmakers who have followed in his footsteps. His ability to blend humor and drama in his films was groundbreaking at the time and has since become a hallmark of many successful movies. Despite not being as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Hill’s contributions to cinema cannot be overstated. He will always be remembered as one of the great directors of his time.
FAQ
Who is George Roy Hill?
George Roy Hill was an American film director known for his work on classic films such as “The Sting,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “The World According to Garp.”
What are some of George Roy Hill’s most famous films?
Some of George Roy Hill’s most famous films include “The Sting,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The World According to Garp,” “Slaughterhouse-Five,” and “The Great Waldo Pepper.”
What is “The Sting”?
“The Sting” is a 1973 American caper film directed by George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
What is “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”?
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” is a 1969 American Western film directed by George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The film tells the story of outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as they flee to Bolivia to escape the law.
What is “The World According to Garp”?
“The World According to Garp” is a 1982 American comedy-drama film directed by George Roy Hill, starring Robin Williams and Glenn Close. The film is based on the novel of the same name by John Irving.
What is “Slaughterhouse-Five”?
“Slaughterhouse-Five” is a 1972 American science fiction film directed by George Roy Hill, based on the novel of the same name by Kurt Vonnegut. The film tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier who becomes unstuck in time after being abducted by aliens.
What is “The Great Waldo Pepper”?
“The Great Waldo Pepper” is a 1975 American drama film directed by George Roy Hill, starring Robert Redford. The film tells the story of a former World War I pilot who becomes a barnstormer in the 1920s.
