4 Shots From 4 Films is just what it says it is, 4 shots from 4 of our favorite films. As opposed to the reviews and recaps that we usually post, 4 Shots From 4 Films lets the visuals do the talking!

On this day, 112 years ago, Martin Ritt was born in New York City.  Like many of the Hollywood directors who came to prominence in the 1950s, he started his directorial career in the theater before moving over to live TV.  In 1952, his television career was derailed when he was accused of being a communist.  Blacklisted, it would be five years before Ritt could get another directing job.  When he did start to work again, he moved from television into the movies, starting with 1957’s Edge of the City.  Perhaps due to his own experiences, his films always had a social conscience and always defended the individual against corrupt corporations and governments.  In 1976, he directed one of the first films about the Hollywood blacklist, The Front.

As a director, Ritt was known for his skill with actors.  More than anyone, he played a huge role in making stars out of both Paul Newman and Sally Field.  He was also one of the few directors to understand how to harness Richard Burton’s self-destructive tendencies and, as a result, Burton gave one of his best performances in Ritt’s adaptation of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold.  

It’s time for….

4 Shots From 4 Martin Ritt Films

Edge of the City (1957, dir by Martin Ritt, DP: Joseph Brun)

Paris Blues (1961, dir by Martin Ritt, DP: Christian Matras)

Hud (1963, dir by Martin Ritt, DP: James Wong Howe)

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold (1965, dir by Martin Ritt, DP: Oswald Morris)