Henri Verneuil

Director Henri Verneuil was born Ashot Malakian to Armenian refugees who fled his birthplace of Turkey when he was four years old, following World War I and the Armenian genocide. He would later recount the tale of his youth in the semi-autobiographical 1991 film "Mayrig" and its sequel, 1992's "588 Rue Paradis." After studying journalism, then working as the editor-in-chief for a magazine from 1944-1946, Verneuil's film career got off to an auspicious start. In 1947, he met the famous actor Fernandel and proposed a short film to him. The actor agreed to appear in the film by the unknown director, instantly gaining it attention and starting a partnership that saw the two working together on several acclaimed films throughout their careers. After two years making short films and working as an assistant director in Paris, Verneuil enlisted Fernandel again to star in his first major picture, 1951's "The Hunting Ground," a black comedy about a farmer whose wife commits suicide, sparking gossip in the town. From there he went on to produce many big-screen hits. Verneuil's success in France allowed him to work on several international productions as well, such as 1967's satirical drama "The 25th Hour," which starred Anthony Quinn, and the spy film "The Serpent" in 1973, with Yul Brynner and Peter Fonda. Verneuil was widely respected in France. In 1996, he was awarded the prestigious French film award, the Honorary César, for his body of work.