Man of La Mancha

Arthur Hiller, OC (born 22 November 1923) is a Canadian film director. His filmography includes 33 major studio releases, including the 1970 film Love Story. A film festival in Hiller’s name was held each spring from 2006 until 2009 at his alma mater, Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts, in tribute for his continued support of the school.

Hiller was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and graduated from University College, University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947, a Master of Arts degree in psychology in 1950 and received an honorary Doctor of Laws in 1995.

Hiller began his show business career in television for the CBC in Toronto in the 1950s, and was a successful television director before moving into films and Hollywood. In the 1950s Hiller directed an episode of the anthology series Alfred Hitchcock Presents entitled “Disappearing Trick” which starred Betsy von Furstenberg and Robert Horton. He also directed a number of episodes of Thriller.

In an interview with journalist Robert K. Elder for The Film That Changed My Life, Hiller noted the film Rome, Open City to have had a strong influence on his career.

It just felt so real to me and so good. I didn’t jump and say, “Oh, I want to make movies like that,” but I guess I was feeling that without realizing it. The same as when I finally woke up and said, “I want to be a director.”

Hiller served as President of the Directors Guild of America from 1989 to 1993 and President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1993 to 1997. He was the recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2002 Academy Awards ceremony in recognition of his humanitarian, charitable and philanthropic efforts.[citation needed]

In 2002, he was honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto, Ontario. In 2006, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. —Wikipedia