Origins & Early Life

Henri-Georges Clouzot (French: [ɑ̃ʁi ʒɔʁʒ kluzo]; 20 November 1907 – 12 January 1977) was a French film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is best remembered for his work in the thriller film genre, having directed The Wages of Fear (1953) and Les Diaboliques (1955), which are critically recognized as among the greatest films of the 1950s. He also directed documentary films, including The Mystery of Picasso (1956), which was declared a national treasure by the government of France. Clouzot was an early fan of the cinema and, desiring a career as a writer, moved to Paris.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was later hired by producer Adolphe Osso to work in Berlin, writing French-language versions of German films. After being fired from UFA studio in Nazi Germany due to his friendship with Jewish producers, Clouzot returned to France, where he spent years bedridden after contracting tuberculosis. Upon recovering, he found work in Nazi-occupied France as a screenwriter for the German-owned company Continental Films. At Continental, Clouzot wrote and directed films that were very popular. His second film Le Corbeau drew controversy over its harsh look at provincial France, and he was fired from Continental before...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Contemporary (Born in 1907) (1907): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
• Alexander Knox — Contemporary (Born in 1907) (1907): Esteemed Canadian actor and writer, known for dramatic roles and literary contributions.
• Alfred Jarry — Contemporary (Died in 1907) (1907): Pioneering French symbolist writer, known for Ubu Roi and coining 'pataphysics'
• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Contemporary (Died in 1977) (1977): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• Aleksandr Vasilevsky — Contemporary (Died in 1977) (1977): A pivotal Soviet general who commanded forces during WWII and served as Minister of Defense.
• Alexei Stakhanov — Contemporary (Died in 1977) (1977): Soviet mining celebrity and pioneer of the Stakhanovite productivity movement.
• Aaron Klug — Shared historical date (11-20 · Died) (2018): Pioneering biophysicist known for crystallographic electron microscopy and nucleic acid structure.
• Barbara Hendricks — Shared historical date (11-20 · Born) (1948): Acclaimed American lyric soprano known for opera and jazz performances.
• Abd el-Krim — Shared historical date (01-12 · Born) (1882): Moroccan revolutionary leader who spearheaded the revolt against French and Spanish Protectorates.
• Agatha Christie — Shared historical date (01-12 · Died) (1976): The 'Queen of Crime,' a master of the mystery genre, best-selling author of all time.
• 1907 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1907
• November 20 (11-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 20
• 1977 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1977
• January 12 (01-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 12