Spaghetti Western Directors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers

Spaghetti Western Directors ~ Marco de Gastyne

Marco de Gastyne was born Marc Henri Benoist on July 15, 1888, in Paris, France. He was a French film director, screenwriter, and production designer known for his contributions to French cinema across more than five decades, particularly during the silent film era. His father was Jules Benoist, a writer who published under the pseudonym Jules de Gastyne. He had a brother, Guy de Gastyne, who later worked as a film art director and set decorator. From an early age, he demonstrated an interest in the visual arts. He created notable works including the feature films ''La châtelaine du Liban'' (1926) and ''Madonna of the Sleeping Cars'' (1928), while also serving as writer and production designer on various projects.

His extensive career encompassed directing and writing for both feature films and numerous short documentaries, with later works in the 1950s through 1970s focusing on cultural and documentary subjects such as ''Le masque de Toutankhamon'' (1955) and ''Chartres ville d'art'' (1970). [1] [2] De Gastyne's multifaceted roles in film production highlight his versatility in the industry, from early silent cinema to postwar documentary filmmaking.

Marco transitioned to directing in the early 1920s, following his work as an art director and set designer for French filmmakers. He began directing silent features during this period, often contributing as screenwriter and bringing his artistic background to elaborate visual storytelling. These included “À l'horizon du sud” in 1923, “La Blessure” in 1925, “La Châtelaine du Liban” in 1926 (also as screenwriter), “La Madone des sleepings” from 1927 to 1928 (co-directed with Maurice Gleize and with his screenplay contribution), “Mon cœur au ralenti” in 1928, and “La Merveilleuse Vie de Jeanne d'Arc” in 1929.

“La Merveilleuse Vie de Jeanne d'Arc” stands as his best-known work from the silent era, a feature-length biographical drama that chronicles Joan of Arc's life from her departure from Domremy to her death in Rouen. The film, silent and starring Simone Genevois in the lead role, runs 125 minutes and represents the culmination of his silent directing efforts

Marco de Gastyne directed only Euro-western was “La bête errante” (The Wandering Beast) in 1931.

de GASTYNE, Marco (aka Marc de Gastyne, Marc de gastyne) (Marc Henri Benoist) [7/15/1888, Paris, Île-de-France, France – 11/8/1982, Paris, Île-de-France, France] – painter, production designer, director, actor, son of the writer Jules de Gastyne (Jules Benoist) [1847-1920], brother of production designer, art director Guy de Gastyne (Guy Benoist) [1888–1972], married to opera singer Mary Christian (Marie ÉLisabeth Jane Gabrielle Vien) [1886-1980] (1914-1924) father of Christian Charles Francis Georges Benoist [1909-1969], married to actress Choura Milena (Alexandra Barache) [1902-1976] (1924-1976).

The Wandering Beast – 1931

Spaghetti Western Screenwriter ~ Fernando Butragueño

Fernando Butragueño Benavente was a Spanish producer, production manager, director and screenwriter. He produced two films in 1948, was a production manager on two films in 1948 and 1954 and he directed one film in 1950. His biggest contribution to the Spanish film industry was as a writer on three films between 1945 and 1965.

Fernando Butragueño was born in Spain in 1921 and died in Madrid on February 18, 1988. He was married to married to Maruja Pinilla Fernández and was the father of Yeves Benavente, Angelines Benavente, Maria del Mar Benavente, Cristina Benavente, Mario Benavente, Fernando Benavente, José Manuel Benavente, Manuel Benavente.

Butragueño cowrote the screenplay for one Spaghetti western, “Los cuatreros” (Shoot to Kill) with Antonio Escribano, Gregorio Almendros Perez and Ramón Torrado in 1963.

BUTRAGUENO, Fernando (aka F. Butragueño, Fernando Butragueño) (Fernando Butragueño Benavente) [1921, Spain - 2/18/1988, Madrid, Madrid, Spain] – producer, production manager, director, writer, married to Maruja Pinilla Fernández (19??-1988) father of Yeves Benavente, Angelines Benavente, Maria del Mar Benavente, Cristina Benavente, Mario Benavente, Fernando Benavente, José Manuel Benavente, Manuel Benavente.

Shoot to Kill – 1963 (co)

 

Spaghetti Western Cinematographer ~ M. Gauntier

Michel Gantier is/was a French cameraman and cinematographer. He also worked in production management, was a screenwriter on one film between 1976 to 2000 all were animated TV and feature films.

His only Euro-western was as a cameraman on “Lucky Luke la ballade des Dalton” (Lucky Luke: The Ballad of the Daltons) with Jaques Capo and Claude Pointis in 1976.

GAUNTIER, M. (Michel Gantier) [French] – cameraman, cinematographer.

Lucky Luke: The Ballad of the Daltons – 1976 (co)