Born in 1885 in Vienna, he became a prominent figure in early Hollywood as both an actor and director. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and often extravagant productions, he earned a reputation for being difficult but visionary. His most famous directing work, "Greed," was originally over nine hours long. As an actor, he was memorable in roles such as the stern military officer in "La Grande Illusion." He passed away in 1957, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry.