Henry Koster
A German-born director who helped define Hollywood's mid-century charm, steering beloved comedies and musicals to box-office success.
1905–1988 (age 83)·American film director·Birthday: May 1·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Born Hermann Kosterlitz in Berlin, Henry Koster began his career in the German film industry before the rise of the Nazis forced him to flee. He landed in Hollywood, where his light touch with comedy and sentiment quickly found a home at Universal Pictures. Koster became a key architect of the studio's family-friendly fare in the 1940s and 50s, most notably launching Deanna Durbin's singing career in 'Three Smart Girls,' a hit that saved Universal from financial ruin. He had a knack for working with stars who projected warmth, directing James Stewart in the whimsical 'Harvey' and musical talents like June Allyson. While not a flashy auteur, Koster's consistent craftsmanship and understanding of the American heartland made him a reliable and successful studio director for decades.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Henry was born in 1905, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Henry Was Born
The biggest hits of 1905
Henry's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1905Born
Einstein publishes the theory of special relativity
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1910Started school
Halley's Comet makes its closest approach
President: William Howard Taft
1918Became a teenager
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1921Could drive
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1923Could vote
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1926Turned 21
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1935Turned 30
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1945Turned 40
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1955Turned 50
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $9,550Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Rock Around the Clock" — Bill Haley & His CometsBest Picture: Marty
1965Turned 60
US sends combat troops to Vietnam
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,600Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" — The Rolling StonesBest Picture: The Sound of Music
1975Turned 70
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1985Turned 80
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1988Died at 83
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
Key Achievements
- Directed 'Three Smart Girls' (1936), which made a star of Deanna Durbin and rescued Universal Pictures from bankruptcy.
- Helmed the classic film adaptation of Mary Chase's play 'Harvey,' starring James Stewart.
- Directed the first CinemaScope film in color, 'The Robe,' a major biblical epic of 1953.
- Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Director for 'The Bishop's Wife' (1947).
Did You Know?
He was originally a cartoonist and illustrator before entering the film industry.
His birth name was Hermann Kosterlitz; he changed it after emigrating to the United States.
He was married to actress Peggy Moran, who retired from acting after their marriage.
He directed episodes of the television series 'Daniel Boone' in the 1960s.
“A director's job is to make the audience forget they are watching a film.”
