
Directing
Born May 29, 1894 · Vienna, Austria
Josef von Sternberg, born Jonas Sternberg (29 May 1894 – 22 December 1969) was an Austrian-born film director and is among the few whose career successfully spanned the transition from the silent to the sound era. He is considered one of the earliest 'auteur' filmmakers, having filled many other roles on his films including those of cinematographer, screenwriter, and editor. Sternberg's style influenced later directors, particularly those of the film noir period. He is particularly noted for his distinctive mise en scène, use of lighting and soft lens, and collaboration with actress Marlene Dietrich. Among his most important works are The Blue Angel (1930), Morocco (1930), Shanghai Express (1932) and The Scarlet Empress (1934). Andrew Sarris in his influential book of film criticism The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929–1968 included him in the "pantheon" of the 14 greatest film directors who had worked in the United States.

Jet Pilot
1957

Anatahan
1953

Macao
1952

The Town
1944

The Shanghai Gesture
1941

Sergeant Madden
1939

The King Steps Out
1936

Crime and Punishment
1935

The Fashion Side of Hollywood
1935

The Devil Is a Woman
1935

The Scarlet Empress
1934

Blonde Venus
1932

Shanghai Express
1932

An American Tragedy
1931

Dishonored
1931

Marlene Dietrich, “The Blue Angel” Screen Test
1930

Morocco
1930

The Blue Angel
1930

Thunderbolt
1929

The Case of Lena Smith
1929

The Docks of New York
1928

The Drag Net
1928

The Last Command
1928

Underworld
1927

The Exquisite Sinner
1926
A Woman of the Sea
1926

The Masked Bride
1925

The Salvation Hunters
1925