Frederick Stephani

Frederick Stephani
Born(1903-06-13)June 13, 1903
Bonn, Germany
DiedOctober 31, 1962(1962-10-31) (aged 59)
Los Angeles, California
Known forFilmmaking
Notable workFlash Gordon

Frederick Stephani (June 13, 1903 – October 31, 1962)[1] was a screenwriter and film director. He is best known for co-writing and directing the 13-chapter science fiction serial Flash Gordon in 1936. The serial became Universal's second highest-grossing productions that year.[2] Despite its success, this was the first and only serial Stephani directed over the course of his career, possibly due to its shortcomings in special effects and overall production values, even by contemporary standards.[3] Stephani continued to write, produce and direct feature films and television episodes into the 1960s.

  1. ^ Kinnard, Roy; Crnkovich, Tony; Vitone, R.J. (2008). The Flash Gordon Serials, 1936-1940: A Heavily Illustrated Guide. p. 13. ISBN 978-0786434701.
  2. ^ Fischer, Dennis (2000). Science Fiction Film Directors, 1895-1998. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 15. ISBN 0-7864-0740-9.
  3. ^ Fletcher, Anthony (2009). Don't Dare Miss the Next Thrilling Chapter. p. 97. ISBN 978-1936107186.