The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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Born Samuel Wilder in an Austrian village, this six-time Academy Award winning director, screenwriter, and producer was dubbed Billy after Buffalo Bill of the 1880s traveling western show. That American nickname apparently foretold, in the wake of the Nazi rise to power, his 1934 emigration to Hollywood where he joined fellow European exiles, learned English, and cultivated a legendary career that indelibly marked American movie history. With partner Charles Brackett, he co-wrote acclaimed comedies like Ball of Fire (1941), then scripted, directed, and produced a string of hugely popular films, including the quintessential film noir Double Indemnity (1944), and The Lost Weekend (1945). Their alliance culminated with the savage portrayal of Hollywood in Sunset Boulevard (1950). With I.A.L. Diamond, Wilder created Some Like it Hot (1959) and The Apartment (1960). His self-produced works more flagrantly expressed his cynicism and penchant for vulgarity with Ace in the Hole (1951), betraying a jaded sensibility ahead of its times.
Lally, Kevin. Wilder Times: The Life of Billy Wilder. New York, Henry Holt, 1996.
Sikov, Ed. On Sunset Boulevard: The Life and Times of Billy Wilder. New York, Hyperion, 1998.
Zolotow, Maurice. Billy Wilder in Hollywood. New York, Putnam, 1977.