F.W. Murnau

German Expressionist director F.W. Murnau is best known for directing the 1922 vampire classic 'Nosferatu.' The film is an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula,' which resulted in a massive lawsuit from Stoker's estate. It remains one of the most influential horror films in cinematic history.

Yes, Murnau moved to Hollywood in 1926 to work for Fox Film Corporation. He directed 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans' in 1927, which won the Academy Award for Best Unique and Artistic Picture at the very first Oscar ceremony. The film is widely considered the absolute pinnacle of silent film artistry.

F.W. Murnau died tragically in a car accident in 1931, just one week before the premiere of his final film, 'Tabu.' He was only 42 years old at the time of the crash, which occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. His early death cut short a brilliant career just as the sound era was beginning.

Because Murnau made 'Nosferatu' without securing the rights to Bram Stoker's novel 'Dracula,' Stoker's estate sued the production company, Prana Film. The court ruled in favor of the estate and ordered all copies of the film to be destroyed. Fortunately, a few prints survived, allowing the movie to be restored and celebrated today.