Cinemaphire Fury: The Craziest Directors in Hollywood History

The history of Hollywood is replete with legendary auteurs whose creative genius has shaped the film industry. However, what often gets overlooked is the human element behind these great works. Some of the most iconic directors in the history of film have also been known for having the worst tempers, making their influence even more intriguing. From John Ford to the more notorious Fritz Lang, this article delves into the most temperamental directors in Hollywood and the incredible stories that surround them.

John Ford: The Producer Who Couldn't Keep His Cool

John Ford, director of classics like "The Searchers" and "The Grapes of Wrath," was known for his wretched temper during and after a few drinks. His eruptions were legendary, though perhaps not as dark as those of some of his contemporaries. Ford's angry outbursts could be intense, making him difficult to work with at times. Yet, his legendary anger was just one aspect of a complex personality that contributed to his unmatched cinematic legacy.

One of the most well-known anecdotes regarding Ford involves a dinner where tempers ran higher than expected. During a heated argument, he reportedly threatened the star Carole Lombard. The intensity of his temper was such that he was once arrested for making threats at a staff member. But despite the rough edges, Ford remains a beloved and respected figure in the film industry, known for his visionary work and tight control over every frame of his films.

Cecil B. DeMille's Blue Streak Swearing

Cecil B. DeMille, known for epic biblical epics like "The Ten Commandments," was also not immune to the occasional blue streak. While he was widely regarded as a saintly figure on set, behind the scenes, his temper could flare up. His ability to curse a blue streak during major mishaps was a testament to his passionate temperament.

One famously recounted story involves DeMille losing his cool during the filming of "Samson and Delilah." According to reports, his temper flared so much that he yelled out profanities and threatened to go the entire production over minor setbacks. While this was likely an exaggeration for the sake of theatricality, it highlights the often intense interpersonal dynamics on set during the golden age of Hollywood.

The German Import Directors: Billy Wilder, Otto Preminger, and Fritz Lang

Billy Wilder: The Director with a Nasty Temper

Among the German import directors, Billy Wilder was known for his sharp wit and his ability to incite tension on sets. Despite his comedic flair, Wilder had a bit of a short fuse, and his outbursts on set were legendary. However, some considered him to have a more refined and controlled temper in comparison to others, making his reputation for explosiveness all the more notable.

Otto Preminger: The Angry Director with a Grudge

Although Otto Preminger was a talented director whose work included the films "advise and Consent" and "The Cardinal," he too had a nasty temper. Stories abound of heated arguments and disagreements over directorial choices, but Preminger was seen as more approachable than some of his counterparts. His temper was intense and often allowed him to stand his ground in critical situations, even with top talent.

Fritz Lang: The Champion of Bad Temper

However, when it comes to temperamental dinosaurs in the history of Hollywood, no one comes close to Fritz Lang. Known for his creation of the groundbreaking film "Metropolis," Lang had a reputation for being one of the most difficult directors to work with. There are numerous anecdotes regarding his explosive temper, making him the undisputed king of bad tempers among Hollywood directors.

Consider the story about his first Hollywood film, "Fury." During the filming, he demanded that the extras be ready for a lynch mob scene without regard for their well-being. When an assistant asked about a lunch break, Lang's response was famously dismissive, asking, "But I have already eaten." Spencer Tracy, a renowned actor, even had to intervene to plead for the extras' lunch break, leading to an entire soundstage unfurling in record time. Similarly, when Douglas Fairbanks Jr. called for a lunch break, Lang insisted he had finished too, and only intervened when Fairbanks Jr. loudly declared, "Lunch break!" The extras promptly left the set, leaving Lang to stew.

What made these temper tantrums even more emblematic of Lang's character was his profession in the studio system. Lang worked at every major studio in Hollywood, where he alienated people at each one with his explosive and challenging work style. Despite the pulling power of his visionary films, his personality often overshadowed the collaborative nature of filmmaking, leaving a lasting legacy of instability and acrimony in the Hollywood community.

Today, the stories of these temperamental directors offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the often tumultuous relationships between directors and their cast and crew. Their temperamental nature is a testament to the passion and dedication that drove them to create some of the most iconic films in cinema history.