DIRECTOR · BORN 1896 · DIED 1977
Howard Hawks
- Born
- 30 May 1896, Goshen, Indiana, USA
- Died
- 26 December 1977
- Known for
- Scarface (1932), Monkey Business (1952), The Dawn Patrol (1930), Red Line 7000 (1965)
62 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (62)
- #001
Howard Hawks said in interviews that he was supposed to direct Casablanca (1942), now a classic, while Michael Curtiz was supposed to direct Sergeant York (1941). When the two directors met for lunch, Curtiz complained that he knew nothing about 'hill people,' while Hawks was struggling with this 'musical comedy.' So they swapped films. Hawks said he always saw Casablanca as a musical comedy, because the scenes set in the café contain plenty of singing, particularly the 'La Marseillaise' scene. The anecdote illustrates Hawks's view of genres and his collaborative spirit.
- #002
John Wayne delivered a eulogy at Howard Hawks's funeral. The gesture laid bare the pair's long friendship and mutual respect. Wayne had starred in many of Hawks's films and had built a close relationship with him.
- #003
Howard Hawks never fully came to terms with the death of his brother Kenneth Hawks in a plane crash. Hawks believed Kenneth had the potential to be an even greater filmmaker than himself. Yet despite the tragedy he kept flying and made many films about pilots over the course of his career. This can be read as a sign of how he dealt with his loss and of his passion for aviation.
- #004
Although Howard Hawks worked with stars known for their political views, such as the right-wing John Wayne and the left-wing Humphrey Bogart, he himself chose to remain apolitical throughout his life. This stance shows he was a director focused on his work and kept his distance from political debate. Hawks centered his cinema on storytelling and characters rather than serving any ideological agenda.
- #005
Howard Hawks's close friend John Ford called him Hollywood's 'Gray Fox.' The nickname came from Hawks's womanizing ways, whether with married women or single ones. Ford's teasing reflects the pair's intimate friendship and Hawks's reputation in Hollywood.
- #006
Howard Hawks's wife Slim admired Lauren Bacall on a magazine cover and persuaded Hawks to cast her in his films. Bacall was only 20 when she made her screen debut in To Have and Have Not (1944). This chance discovery launched Bacall's career and also paved the way for an unforgettable collaboration between Hawks and Humphrey Bogart.
- #007
Over his career Howard Hawks directed five actors to Oscar-nominated performances: Walter Brennan, Gary Cooper, Margaret Wycherly, Barbara Stanwyck and Arthur Hunnicutt. Of these, Cooper and Brennan won the Oscar statuette for their roles in Hawks's films. This achievement proves Hawks's mastery of directing actors and his ability to draw the best performance out of them.
- #008
Although Howard Hawks was one of the most prolific directors of his generation and carried five actors to Oscar nominations, he himself was nominated at the Academy Awards only once. This ironic situation can be read as the Academy never fully giving Hawks the recognition he deserved in cinema history. Even so, his legacy lives on through his films.
- #009
Among the famous actresses he directed, Howard Hawks regarded Frances Farmer as the best actor he ever worked with. He directed Farmer in Come and Get It (1936). Hawks also admired Barbara Stanwyck, Carole Lombard and Rosalind Russell. These preferences show Hawks's fondness for strong, characterful actresses.
- #010
Over his career Howard Hawks worked across an extraordinarily wide range of genres, including the western, screwball comedy, film noir, action-adventure, period epic, war drama, racing film, science fiction and gangster film. This diversity shows how flexible and talented he was as a storyteller. Hawks managed to develop a distinctive style and narrative language in every genre.
- #011
At the 1974 Academy Awards ceremony, Howard Hawks was given an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement by his close friend John Wayne. The award honored Hawks's contributions to cinema and his career. Wayne's presenting the award was a symbol of the pair's friendship and mutual respect.
- #012
Lauren Bacall's screen persona in To Have and Have Not (1944) was largely inspired by Howard Hawks's then-wife Slim. Bacall's striking dresses, long blonde hair, smoky voice and shy yet mysterious manner reflected Slim's traits. Humphrey Bogart's character even addresses Bacall in the film by the nickname 'Slim.' This detail is a striking example of how Hawks's private life fed into his work.
- #013
When Howard Hawks's wife Slim built their New England-style house, she used her husband's set plans from Bringing Up Baby (1938). This shows both how detailed and realistic Hawks's film sets were designed and Slim's interest in and support of her husband's work.
- #014
Howard Hawks served as the uncredited 'ghost director' on the science fiction classic The Thing from Another World (1951). The film's directing credit went to his longtime editor and friend Christian Nyby. Toward the end of Hawks's life, both he and Nyby acknowledged that, as had long been said, Hawks really did direct most of the film. However, some of the film's actors, including Kenneth Tobey and James Arness, claimed in interviews that Nyby really directed it alone. The dispute shows how deeply intertwined Hawks's influence and collaborations in cinema were.
- #015
Howard Hawks served in the US Army Signal Corps during World War I. This experience may have contributed to the formation of his disciplined and orderly working habits. Returning to cinema after the war, Hawks continued his career apace.
- #016
Howard Hawks died one day after the famous comedian Charles Chaplin. The coincidence brought the deaths of two great names in cinema history close together. Hawks continues to be remembered as one of the most important directors of his generation.
- #017
Howard Hawks's ashes were scattered in the desert near Calimesa, California. This can be read as a testament reflecting his love of nature and wide open spaces. Hawks was known for his westerns and aviation-themed films.
- #018
Howard Hawks worked frequently with the famous writer William Faulkner. Faulkner wrote or co-wrote the screenplays for many of Hawks's films. This collaboration built a strong bridge between literature and cinema and added depth to Hawks's films.
- #019
Howard Hawks was the brother-in-law of the actress Mary Astor. This family tie shows how small and interwoven Hollywood's world was. Hawks's family relationships may have strengthened his position and connections in the industry.
- #020
The famous director Quentin Tarantino has said that Howard Hawks's Rio Bravo (1959) may be his favorite film of all time. This praise shows Hawks's mastery of the western genre and the film's lasting impact. Rio Bravo continues to influence many directors today.
- #021
Howard Hawks began his education at Throop Polytechnic Institute (later the California Institute of Technology), then attended Phillips Academy, a preparatory school. He later studied engineering at Cornell University. Biographer Todd McCarthy wrote that these educational experiences were a crucial factor in shaping the industrious character Hawks brought to his films and every other endeavor in his life. This disciplined training may also have shaped his approach to cinema.
- #022
Howard Hawks had a large family: his son Peter John Ward Hawks was born to his wife Athole on July 31, 1924, and was adopted by Howard in 1928. His other son, David Winchester Hawks, was born on October 9, 1929; his daughter Barbara on May 20, 1936; his daughter Kitty Stephen Hawks on February 11, 1946; and his son Gregg on October 22, 1954. This family structure shows the intensity and responsibilities of Hawks's private life.
- #023
Howard Hawks directed eleven films selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically" significant. These films are: Scarface (1932), Twentieth Century (1934), Bringing Up Baby (1938), Only Angels Have Wings (1939), His Girl Friday (1940), Sergeant York (1941), Ball of Fire (1941), The Big Sleep (1946), Red River (1948), The Thing from Another World (1951) (uncredited) and Rio Bravo (1959). This achievement is evidence of Hawks's lasting contributions to American cinema.
- #024
In April 1996, Entertainment Weekly named Howard Hawks the fourth greatest director of all time. This ranking shows Hawks's place and influence in film history. His films continue to be watched and appreciated today.
- #025
Brian De Palma dedicated his film Scarface (1983), a remake of Howard Hawks's 1932 Scarface, to Hawks. This gesture shows the influence of Hawks's original film on De Palma and its importance in film history. De Palma's film has become a classic in its own right.
- #026
Howard Hawks's uncredited voice is heard in the opening credits of Monkey Business (1952). The off-screen voice says "Not yet, Cary" twice as Barnaby (Cary Grant) opens his front door and is about to step outside. This small detail shows Hawks's humorous approach to films and his personal touch.
- #027
Howard Hawks had three films on the American Film Institute's 100 Years...100 Laughs list: Bringing Up Baby (1938) at No. 14, His Girl Friday (1940) at No. 19 and Ball of Fire (1941) at No. 92. These films prove Hawks's mastery of screwball comedy and the enduring quality of his sense of humor.
- #028
Howard Hawks had a wide network of relatives: he was a cousin of William Powell, a brother-in-law of Douglas Shearer and Norma Shearer, and a son-in-law of Edith Shearer. These connections show his ties to Hollywood's leading families and may have strengthened his position in the industry.
- #029
One of Howard Hawks's distant cousins, Elizabeth Ellen Robinson, was the mother of Mary Gish and the grandmother of Lillian Gish and Dorothy Gish. This kinship links Hawks to important names in film history. The Gish sisters were among the most famous actresses of the silent film era.
- #030
Howard Hawks gave an interview in Peter Bogdanovich's book Who the Devil Made It: Conversations With Robert Aldrich, George Cukor, Allan Dwan, Howard Hawks, Alfred Hitchcock, Chuck Jones, Fritz Lang, Joseph H. Lewis, Sidney Lumet, Leo McCarey, Otto Preminger, Don Siegel, Josef von Sternberg, Frank Tashlin, Edgar G. Ulmer, Raoul Walsh. The book contains in-depth conversations with some of the most important directors in film history and conveys Hawks's thoughts.
- #031
In a 1972 interview, Howard Hawks named John Ford, Frank Capra, Leo McCarey and George Stevens as the best American film directors of his generation. He also admitted that he had not seen many international films, but he praised one French director: François Truffaut. These statements show Hawks's taste in cinema and the names that influenced him.
- #032
Howard Hawks was a notorious storyteller; he often exaggerated his already significant involvement in the making of his films and presented himself as a tough man (for example, he would tell stories about punching producers). These exaggerated accounts were part of his charismatic personality and his legendary image in Hollywood.
- #033
Howard Hawks's first step into the film industry was as a prop assistant on A Little Princess (1917). He was apparently allowed to direct some scenes in this film uncredited. This early experience revealed his interest in and talent for cinema.
- #034
Howard Hawks was the second cousin of the famous actress Carole Lombard. This kinship shows the ties between Hollywood's famous families. Lombard was one of the most popular comedy performers of the era and moved in the same circles as Hawks.
- #035
The fifth edition of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (compiled by Steven Schneider) includes eleven films by Howard Hawks. That is the most of any director after Alfred Hitchcock. The list includes: Scarface (1932), Bringing Up Baby (1938), Only Angels Have Wings (1939), His Girl Friday (1940), Sergeant York (1941), To Have and Have Not (1944), The Big Sleep (1946), Red River (1948), The Big Sky (1952), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and Rio Bravo (1959). This is an indication of Hawks's lasting impact on film history.
- #036
Howard Hawks was originally set to direct Gunga Din (1939), but after Bringing Up Baby (1938) failed at the box office he was removed from the project and replaced by George Stevens. This event shows the ups and downs of Hawks's career and the pressures of the studio system.
- #037
Quentin Tarantino named Howard Hawks his favorite director and praised him as "the greatest storyteller in the history of cinema." This praise shows how great Hawks's narrative power and contributions to cinema were. Hawks's influence is clearly visible in Tarantino's films.
- #038
Howard Hawks was the brother of Kenneth Hawks. Kenneth was also a film director and died in a plane crash in 1930. Howard was deeply affected by his brother's death and never fully got over the loss.
- #039
Howard Hawks was a cousin of Clark Gable. This kinship shows his connections to leading names in Hollywood. Gable was one of the biggest stars of the era and moved in the same circles as Hawks.
- #040
Howard Hawks was portrayed by James Cahill in the film Will There Really Be a Morning? (1983). The film is about the life of the famous actress Frances Farmer and also covers Hawks's work with Farmer.
- #041
Howard Hawks began his education at Pasadena High School, then attended Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire (1908-12), and finally earned an Engineering degree at Cornell University in New York (1914-16). This solid education helped him develop his analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- #042
Howard Hawks had two sons and two daughters. Despite his intense career, Hawks managed to make time for his family.
- #043
Between 1919 and 1922, Howard Hawks worked as a designer at an aircraft factory. This experience deepened his interest in aviation and his technical knowledge, which he later drew on when making films about pilots.
- #044
Howard Hawks was the brother of William B. Hawks and the brother-in-law of Bessie Love, a well-known actress of the silent film era. These family ties reflect Hollywood's interwoven community.
- #045
Howard Hawks, a director who left his mark on cinema history, was portrayed in films made about him: by Ross Elliott in Bogie (1980), by Howard Platt in Norma Jean & Marilyn (1996), and by Adam Roarke in Hughes and Harlow: Angels in Hell (1977). These productions show Hawks's place among Hollywood legends.
- #046
In 1974, Howard Hawks was awarded an Honorary Oscar with the citation 'Master American Filmmaker, whose creative efforts hold a distinguished place in world cinema.' The award reflects the international recognition of his contributions to cinema.
- #047
Howard Hawks was the brother-in-law of Eden Hartford, a name known in the society circles of the period. This family tie shows his connections to prominent Hollywood families.
- #048
Howard Hawks was educated at Pasadena High School in California (1908-1913), Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire (1914-16), and Cornell University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1917. This educational background shaped his knowledge of engineering and his disciplined work habits.
- #049
Between 1917 and 1919, Howard Hawks served in the United States Army Air Forces. This military experience deepened his knowledge of aviation and later helped him portray pilot characters realistically in his films.
- #050
Howard Hawks was the father-in-law of Ned Tanen, who married Hawks's daughter Kitty Hawks; the couple divorced in 1983. This family relationship reflects the ups and downs of Hawks's private life.
- #051
Howard Hawks turned down the offer to direct The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957). After the box-office failure of Land of the Pharaohs (1955), he did not want a second consecutive failure, and he thought critics would like the film but audiences would stay away; the all-male cast in particular worried him. This decision shows Hawks's commercial concerns and his cautious approach to risk.
- #052
Howard Hawks was portrayed by Ivan Bonar in Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess (1983). The film deals with the life of the famous actress Rita Hayworth and also covers Hawks's work with her.
- #053
Howard Hawks co-founded the Motion Picture Alliance for the Presentation of American Ideals with Borden Chase. The organization aimed to defend certain ideals in American cinema and was influential in the political atmosphere of the period.
- #054
Howard Hawks received an Honorary Oscar with the citation 'Master American Filmmaker, whose creative efforts hold a distinguished place in world cinema.' The award reflects the international recognition of his contributions to the art of cinema.
- #055
Howard Hawks was honored with the quarterly award given by the American Directors Guild for his film 'Red River.' The award was a recognition of his directing skill and the film's success.
- #056
In the late 1930s, Howard Hawks had his own Hollywood motorcycle club: the Moraga Spit and Polish Club, named after the Beverly Hills street where he lived and where they met every Sunday morning. Members included actors Clark Gable, Robert Taylor and Andy Devine, and directors Victor Fleming and William A. Wellman. Hawks even had branded sweatshirts made for the club. This hobby reflects his social circle and his idea of fun.
- #057
Howard Hawks was the son of Helen Brown (Howard) and Franklin Winchester Hawks. His ancestry traced back to recent immigrants from Scotland and the Isle of Man on his mother's side, and to deeper Colonial American roots in Massachusetts on his father's side. These origins may have influenced the formation of his American identity and values.
- #058
Howard Hawks's biography appears on pages 446-451 of 'World Film Directors, Volume One, 1890-1945,' edited by John Wakeman. The book examines in detail the lives and careers of important directors in cinema history.
- #059
In 1944, Howard Hawks co-founded the Motion Picture Alliance for the Presentation of American Ideals with Borden Chase. The organization aimed to defend certain ideals in American cinema and was influential in the political atmosphere of the period.
- #060
In 1944, Howard Hawks was honored with the Quarterly Award given by the American Directors Guild for his film 'Red River.' The award was a recognition of his directing skill and the film's success.
- #061
Howard Hawks was a fourth cousin four times removed of Scott Andrew Hutchins. This detail illustrates his extensive family network and kinship ties, though the connection is not known to have had any direct effect on Hawks's career.
- #062
Quentin Tarantino said that Howard Hawks's final film, Rio Lobo (1970), influenced his own early retirement plans (still pending as of 2025). Tarantino cited the film as an example of a once-great director continuing to work after passing his creative peak. The comment has also prompted discussion of the late period of Hawks's career.
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