Charles H. Schneer

Black and white photograph of a man at bust length.
Charles H. Schneer in 1974
For the American film producer and screenwriter (1916–1963), see Charles Schnee.

Charles H. Schneer (May 5, 1920 – January 21, 2009) was a film producer most widely known for working with Ray Harryhausen, known for his work in stop motion model animation.

Life and career

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he graduated from Columbia University in 1940. Serving in the US Army's Signal Corps Photographic Unit during the war, and moved to Hollywood following demobilisation. After joining Columbia Pictures, he was introduced to Harryhausen by a mutual friend from Schneer's time in the Army.[1]

Together they made It Came From Beneath The Sea (1955), about a giant octopus that wreaks havoc on the Golden Gate Bridge. The octopus had only six tentacles, which Schneer is reported to have been correct in claiming no one would notice.[2] This film made use of stop-motion photography which the two men were to use to greater effect in later films including Jason and the Argonauts (1963), The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973), and Clash of the Titans (1981).

In 1960, he moved his base of operations to London, where he remained for 45 years. Beside the fantasy films, he also produced the film version of the stage musical Half a Sixpence (1967) starring Tommy Steele and Hellcats of the Navy (1957), the only film starring both Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan (as Nancy Davis).[3]

Schneer died in Boca Raton, Florida, aged 88.

Filmography

References

  1. ↑ "Lasting Tribute". 2009.
  2. ↑ Bill Edwards Obituary – Charles Schneer, The Guardian, October 29, 2009
  3. ↑ Charles H. Schneer at the Internet Movie Database
  4. ↑ "Film on Von Braun's Life Has Premiere". Los Angeles Times. October 3, 1960. p. C8.

External links


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