Gregory La Cava Biography

Gregory La Cava was an American film director best known for his comedies ‘My Man Godfrey’ and ‘Stage Door.’ One of the most prominent directors in Hollywood during the 1930s, he was known for his unconventional direction style and creative treatment of comedic themes. He was especially reputed for drawing the best performances from the actresses which led him to be referred to as a woman’s director. But it was not only women he directed to perfection; he also directed many top actors of his era to Academy Award nominations. A highly creative and innovative individual, he became interested in the visual arts as a young boy and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students' League. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and cartoonist and soon moved to animated movie work at the studio of the silent era animator, Raoul Barré. A highly skilled young man, he was eventually hired by the newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst, to work for his International Film Service. With time La Cava grew more ambitious and forayed into Hollywood where he found considerable success as a film director. However, despite all his greatness behind the camera, he fell victim to the vice of alcoholism which eventually led to his downfall.