Biography

Paul Czinner was born on May 30, 1890 in Vienna, Austria-Hungary [now Austria]. He was a director and writer, known for Escape Me Never (1935), Husbands or Lovers (1924) and Doña Juana (1928). He was married to Elisabeth Bergner. He died on June 22, 1972 in London, England, UK.

As of 2007, he is one of six directors who has directed his wife to a Best Actress Oscar nomination (Elisabeth Bergner in Escape Me Never (1935)). The other five are Joel Coen directing Frances McDormand in Fargo (1996), John Cassavetes directing Gena Rowlands in A Woman Under the Influence (1974) & Gloria (1980), Blake Edwards directing Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria (1982), Richard Brooks directing Jean Simmons in The Happy Ending (1969) and Paul Newman directing Joanne Woodward in Rachel, Rachel (1968). Jules Dassin also directed his future wife Melina Mercouri in an Oscar-nominated performance (Never on Sunday (1960)), but they weren't married yet at the time of the nomination.

Worked in Germany as a writer, director and producer. With Elisabeth Bergner, emigrated to England in 1930. They married three years later. Both subsequently became British citizens. Czinner directed Bergner in several British films. The couple went to the US in 1940 to work in the theatre. Czinner then directed several films on musical themes, mainly ballet and opera.

Was a drama critic at the age of 16.

Was a child prodigy on the violin.

After studying literature and philosophy at the University of Vienna, he worked as a journalist.