Announcing the William Wyler Blogathon

When I think of William Wyler, I think of the Oscars. The Best Years of Our Lives. Ben-Hur. Dodsworth. Mrs. Miniver. The Heiress. Jezebel. Thirteen of the 36 narrative films he directed after graduating from two-reel Westerns were nominated for Best Picture; Wyler himself received twelve Best Director nominations and won three awards. Actors and actresses in Wyler films had a better-than-average shot at a nomination: thirty-six of them received nominations, and fourteen won.

But in the William Wyler Blogathon, which is happening here over the weekend of September 21-23, you don't have to think of the Oscars. You can think of anything you want, as long as it has something to do with Mr. Wyler or his films. You don't even have to like him to participate.

Be creative: he directed 38 films between 1928 and 1970, from romantic comedies (Roman Holiday) to Westerns (The Westerner) to documentaries (Thunderbolt) to historical epics (Ben-Hur) to social problem films (Dead End) to musicals (Funny Girl) to thrillers (The Desperate Hours) to costume dramas (The Heiress) to cop films (Detective Story), most of which are available on DVD or videocassette, so there's plenty of room for everyone (i.e., we don't all have to write on Dodsworth, even though we might want to) (I'm not writing on Dodsworth).

Let me know if you'll be joining in the festivities. I'll send around a gentle reminder closer to the blessed weekend. Then, during the weekend of September 21-23, put up your post and email me a link. If you want to help spread the word, feel free to use any of the graphics below.