Mark Sandrich Biography

Fast Facts

• Was studying Engineering at Columbia University when he got involved in the film industry
• After helping a director to set up a shot while visiting a friend on a film set, he began his first job in the industry in the props department
• Began his career as a director in 1926 on short films like "Jerry the Giant" and "Napoleon, Jr․"
• Also worked with Jack Benny on several occasions, directing his comedy musicals "Man About Town" and "Love Thy Neighbor," among others
• Best known as the director of several Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musicals, including "Top Hat" and "The Gay Divorcee․"
• His 1942 musical "Holiday Inn" was another big success and featured Irving Berlin's now-classic holiday song "White Christmas․"
• Had his first big success with "The Gay Divorcee" in 1934, which launched a decade of Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers musicals