This excellent biographical documentary looks at the life and work of director
William Wyler. The film is dominated by clips from many of Wyler's better-known works, such as
Roman Holiday,
Ben-Hur, and
Funny Girl. A long interview with the director himself (conducted a few days before he died) provides his personal perspective on his work and interviews with his actors and colleagues offer some surprising comments about the man.
Terence Stamp feels Wyler may not have had a good command of English, while
Laurence Olivier notes that Wyler taught him how to drop theatrical exaggerations and act for the camera.
Bette Davis gives the most extensive commentary. Excerpts from home movies show Wyler and his family on vacation and also record a bit of the making of
Wuthering Heights. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide