The 1937 Venice Film Festival awarded the Silver Lion to Zoltan Korda for his direction of the adventure feature Elephant Boy, a project co-directed with Robert Flaherty. This honor underscored the transition of the Hungarian-born filmmaker from early silent shorts into a significant producer and director of international sound dramas during the mid-20th century.
Early Life and Military Service
Born Zoltán Kellner in 1895 at Túrkeve, Hungary, he belonged to a family of filmmakers that included his brothers Alexander and Vincent. Before establishing his career in the arts, Korda served as a cavalry officer in the Common Army and the Austro-Hungarian Army during the First World War. This period of military experience later influenced the thematic focus of many action and adventure films he produced and directed.
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Korda entered the film industry through his work as a camera operator and screenwriter. His directorial career began with two silent shorts in Hungary in 1918 and 1920, followed by a feature-length silent film in Germany in 1927. After moving to London, he joined his brother Alexander's production company, London Films. His English-language directorial debut occurred with the 1932 sound drama, Men of Tomorrow.
Expansion into Africa and India
The 1935 release of Sanders of the River, starring Paul Robeson and Leslie Banks, brought Korda significant commercial success. He continued this trajectory with The Four Feathers in 1939, a production featuring Sir Ralph Richardson. This work earned a nomination for the Palme d'Or at the 1939 Cannes Film Festival and remains regarded as his primary cinematic achievement. His output during this era frequently focused on stories set within Africa and India.
Hollywood and Later Career
In 1940, Korda relocated to Hollywood, Los Angeles, to work through United Artists. He served as executive producer for The Thief of Bagdad. His subsequent filmography included the 1943 war drama Sahara, which starred Humphrey Bogart and for which Korda wrote the screenplay. His later works included A Woman's Vengeance in 1947 and the anti-apartheid film Cry, the Beloved Country. Poor health resulting from tuberculosis forced his retirement in 1955.
Fast facts
- Born: 1895, Túrkeve, Hungary
- Died: 1961, Hollywood
- Buried: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- Citizenships: Hungary, United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
- Marriages: Olly Szokolay (1921-1924), Joan Gardner (1930-1961)
- Children: David and Nicholas
- Notable Awards: Silver Lion (1937)
- Primary Occupations: Film director, producer, screenwriter, cinematographer
Questions readers ask
What was Zoltan Korda's final film project?
Korda retired in 1955 due to complications from tuberculosis and died in 1961.
Did he work with his siblings?
Yes, he collaborated extensively with his brothers Alexander and Vincent Korda in both Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Achievements
- Worked as film director, film producer and film screenwriter
