Edward Buzzell, American actor, director, and screenwriter (b. 1895)

Edward Buzzell (November 13, 1895 – January 11, 1985) was a prominent American film actor and director, celebrated for his versatile contributions during Hollywood's Golden Age. His extensive directorial credits span a variety of genres, from early dramas and musical comedies to iconic slapstick and mystery films. Buzzell’s career showcased a remarkable adaptability, solidifying his reputation as a reliable craftsman in the studio system.

A Distinguished Directorial Filmography

Buzzell directed a diverse array of films that left a lasting impact on cinema. His early directorial work, such as the compelling drama Child of Manhattan (1933), demonstrated his range beyond comedic roles. He later became a go-to director for lighthearted entertainment and elaborate musicals at major studios like MGM. Key directorial achievements include:

• Honolulu (1939): A lively musical comedy starring Eleanor Powell and Robert Young, known for its dynamic dance numbers and lighthearted plot.
• The Marx Brothers Comedies: Buzzell skillfully helmed two of the legendary comedy team's most memorable films, At the Circus (1939) and Go West (1940). These films captured the anarchic humor of Groucho, Chico, and Harpo Marx, allowing their unique comedic genius to shine.
• Musical Extravaganzas: He directed several vibrant Technicolor musicals for MGM, including Best Foot Forward (1943), a star-studded feature showcasing emerging talent like Lucille Ball and June Allyson; and Neptune's Daughter (1949), a popular Esther Williams aquatic musical that famously introduced the Academy Award-winning song "Baby, It's Cold Outside."
• Popular Franchise Entries and Remakes: Buzzell also directed Song of the Thin Man (1947), the penultimate installment in the beloved mystery-comedy series starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, maintaining its signature witty banter and charm. His work on Easy to Wed (1946), a colorful musical comedy remake of Libeled Lady, further cemented his reputation for entertaining productions.

From Vaudeville Stages to Early Television

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Edward Buzzell's career began long before his directorial fame. He honed his craft in the vibrant world of vaudeville and on the prestigious stages of Broadway, where he developed his strong comedic timing and engaging stage presence. This foundational experience proved invaluable as he transitioned into the burgeoning film industry.

His early forays into cinema included starring in the 1929 film version of George M. Cohan's classic musical, Little Johnny Jones, alongside Alice Day. This role marked his significant entry into the era of "talkies." Buzzell also appeared in a number of early sound films, including Vitaphone shorts – a pioneering sound-on-disc system – and the two-strip Technicolor short The Devil's Cabaret (1930), where he notably portrayed Satan's assistant. Beyond acting, he demonstrated his versatility by writing screenplays in the early 1930s before moving into producing. A pivotal moment in his career came with his role as a producer for the highly popular The Milton Berle Show, which premiered on television in 1948. This marked his significant contribution to the nascent medium of television, helping to shape early variety programming.

Personal Life and Industry Connections

Edward Buzzell's personal life was also connected to the Hollywood community. In 1926, he married actress Ona Munson, who later gained enduring fame for her memorable portrayal of Belle Watling, the compassionate madam, in the epic 1939 film Gone with the Wind. Their marriage concluded in divorce in 1931. He briefly married socialite Sara Clark on August 11, 1934, though this union lasted only five weeks. His final marriage was to actress Lorraine Miller on December 10, 1949. Edward Buzzell passed away in Los Angeles in 1985 at the age of 89, leaving behind a rich legacy in entertainment.

The Buzzell family also had deep roots in the entertainment industry. His brother, Samuel Jesse Buzzell, was a respected music patent attorney in New York City, demonstrating a legal connection to the creative arts. Further solidifying these ties, Edward's niece (Samuel's daughter) Gloria Joyce Buzzell was married to the renowned Academy Award-winning film producer Harold Hecht, known for his work on critically acclaimed films such as Marty (1955) and his partnership with Burt Lancaster in Hecht-Lancaster Productions. Edward's nephew, Loring Buzzell (Samuel's son), was a prominent music publisher and a partner in the firm Hecht-Lancaster & Buzzell Music, directly linking the family to one of Hollywood's most influential production companies of the era. Loring was also married to the popular singer Lu Ann Simms, further extending the family's reach into various facets of the entertainment world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edward Buzzell

What was Edward Buzzell primarily known for in Hollywood?

Edward Buzzell was primarily known for his work as a versatile film director during Hollywood's Golden Age, particularly for his musical comedies, lighthearted films, and his two collaborations with the Marx Brothers.

Which iconic Marx Brothers films did Edward Buzzell direct?

Edward Buzzell directed two of the Marx Brothers' most famous comedies: At the Circus (1939) and Go West (1940).

What role did Edward Buzzell play in the early days of television?

Edward Buzzell made a significant contribution to early television as a producer for the highly popular The Milton Berle Show, which began airing in 1948, helping to shape the format of early variety programs.

Who were Edward Buzzell's notable spouses?

Edward Buzzell was married to actress Ona Munson, famous for her role as Belle Watling in Gone with the Wind, and later to actress Lorraine Miller.

Did Edward Buzzell's family have other notable members in the entertainment industry?

Yes, his brother Samuel Jesse Buzzell was a music patent attorney, and his niece Gloria Joyce Buzzell was married to Academy Award-winning film producer Harold Hecht. His nephew Loring Buzzell was a music publisher connected to Hecht-Lancaster Productions and married to singer Lu Ann Simms.