2. Who directs 'Cross of Iron'?
From Quiz Cross of Iron
Answer:
Sam Peckinpah
'Cross of Iron' is the story of a hardened war veteran who must survive the eventual onslaught of a larger, more powerful army in World War Two. At times disturbing, the film uses many experimental techniques, such as the use of hand-held camera's, to make the audience feel part of the action. The anti-war message of the film is brought home by Peckinpah, with the choice of song and pictures during the credits.
The movie is based on the book 'The Willing Flesh' by Willi Heinrich, first published in 1956, although later publications title the book 'Cross of Iron' to tie in with the film. It is thought that the book and film are based on the real life accounts of Johann Schwerdfeger, a multi-decorated officer of the German Army on the Eastern Front.
Peckinpah was born in California in 1925. After a lonesome childhood, Peckinpah applied to the US Marine Corps but, to his disappointment, did not see combat during World War Two, and enrolled at USC in 1948, studying theatre.
Peckinpah first came to attention as a scriptwriter in such shows as 'Gunsmoke' and won acclaim for his role in creating 'The Westerner' in 1960. His directoral debut came in 1961 for the film 'The Deadly Companions'.
Working with such actors as Charlton Heston in the 1965 film 'Major Dundee' highlighted the eccentricties of Peckinpah's character, with his abrasive manner even rubbing Heston up the wrong way. His manner also caused him to lose out the job of directing Steve McQueen in the film 'The Cincinatti Kid'.
Peckinpah earned his respect, and also his reputation, with his 1969 'The Wild Bunch', before moving on to direct McQueen again in 'The Getaway' in 1972. 'Cross of Iron', released in 1977, was Peckinpah's last major work, despite severe financial problems.
Peckinpah passed away in 1984 from a stroke.