Robert Milton Young (November 22, 1924 – February 6, 2024) was an American film and television director, cinematographer, screenwriter, and producer. Young was considered a trailblazer in the independent filmmaking sector and for frequently casting Edward James Olmos in his movies, directing him in Alambrista! (1977), The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982), Saving Grace (1986), Triumph of the Spirit (1989), Talent for the Game (1991), Roosters (1993), Slave of Dreams (1995), and Caught (1996). He produced Olmos's directorial debut, American Me (1992).
Early life and education Robert Milton Young was born in New York City on November 22, 1924. His father was a cameraman who later owned a film laboratory. Robert began college at MIT to become a chemical engineer. He left after two years to join the U.S. Navy during World War II and served in the Pacific in New Guinea and in the Philippines. Upon returning to America after the war, he decided to study English literature at Harvard University.Alexander, Geoff, "Biography: Robert M. Young", Academic Film Archive of North America (AFANA).
Young also developed an interest in filmmaking and graduated from Harvard in 1949.Ireland, Corydon, "Nothing but a breakthrough: Landmark 1964 film about race by two Harvard grads launches Film Archive's season", The Harvard Gazette, January 11, 2013
Career After graduation, Young formed a cooperative partnership with two friends making educational films. In 1960, he worked for NBC making public affairs programs for NBC White Paper. In 1960, on behalf of NBC, he went to the American South to make the film Sit-In about the civil rights protests and sit-ins. The film won a Peabody Award."NBC WHITE PAPER: U.S. News Documentary" , Museum of Broadcast Communications, Chicago, Illinois.
Young later left NBC to pursue narrative film work.
Young won a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1975.
In 1985 he was a member of the jury at the 14th Moscow International Film Festival.
Death Young died in Los Angeles on February 6, 2024, at the age of 99.
Filmography
Filmmaking credits
Feature films +TitleYearDirectorProducerWriterNotesNothing But a Man1964The Plot Against Harry1971Short Eyes1977Directorial DebutAlambrista!1977Rich Kids1979One-Trick Pony1980The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez1982Saving Grace1986Extremities1986Dominick and Eugene1988Triumph of the Spirit1989Talent for the Game1991American Me1992Caught1996China: The Panda Adventure2001IMAX filmHuman Error2004
Documentaries +TitleYearDirectorWriterNotesSecrets of the Reef1956At the Winter Sea Ice Camp: Part 41967Short filmThe Eskimo: Fight for Life1970Children of the Fields1973Short filmTo Fly!1976IMAX short filmChildren of Fate: Life and Death in a Sicilian Family1993William Kurelek's The Maze2011Co-directed with David Grubin Cancelled film: Cortile Cascino (1962)
Television +TitleYearDirectorProducerWriterNotesWorld Wide '601960Television series (episode "The Living End")Sit-In1960Episode of TV series 'NBC White Paper' Angola: Journey to a War1961Episode of TV series 'NBC White Paper')J.T.1969Television filmNational Geographic Specials1972–1976Television documentary series (4 episodes)Amanda Fallon1973Unsold pilotSpecial Treat1978Television series (episode "Snowbound")We Are the Children1987Television filmSolomon & Sheba1995Television filmSlave of Dreams1995Television filmCaught1996Television filmNothing Sacred1997–1998Television series (2 episodes)Battlestar Galactica2004–2009Television series (5 episodes)Walkout2006Television film
Technical credits
Feature films TitleYearCinematographerCamera operatorNothing But a Man1964Namu, the Killer Whale1966Alambrista!1977The Plot Against Harry1989American Me1992Berkeley2005
Documentaries and other +TitleYearCinematographerSoundEditorNotesSecrets of the Reef1956Stalking Seal on the Spring Ice1967Short series in 2 filmsJigging for Lake Trout1967Group Hunting on the Spring Ice1967Short series in 3 filmsFishing at the Stone Weir1967Short series in 2 filmsBuilding a Kayak1967Short series in 2 filmsAt the Winter Sea Ice Camp1967Short series in 4 filmsAt the Spring Sea Ice Camp1967Short series in 3 filmsAt the Caribou Crossing Place1967Short series in 2 filmsAt the Autumn River Camp1967Short series (only part 2)The Eskimo: Fight for Life1970Deal1977Out on a Limb: An Introduction to Jack Hodgins1981Short filmImperfect Union: Canadian Labour and the Left, Part 2: Born of Hard Times1989Children of Fate: Life and Death in a Sicilian Family1993The Last Winter2002Short filmWilliam Kurelek's The Maze2011
Television TitleYearCinematographerSecond unit directorNotesHigh Adventure with Lowell Thomas1957Television documentary seriesNational Geographic Specials1972–1976Television documentary series (4 episodes)Special Treat1978Television series (episode "Snowbound")Walkout2006Television film
References
Further reading Lewis, Leon (editor). Robert M. Young : essays on the films, Jefferson, N.C.; London : McFarland & Co., 2005.
External links
"Robert M. Young Filmography", Fandango A Tribute to Robert M. Young at Cinequest Robert M. Young at the Cannes Festival