Richard Brooks (born Reuben Sax; May 18, 1912 – March 11, 1992) was an American film director, screenwriter, journalist and novelist. He directed 24 feature films between 1950 and 1985, and was known for his portrayals of hard-hitting subject matter, psychologically-complex characters, and his independently-minded auteurist approach to filmmaking.
His notable works included Blackboard Jungle (1955), Something of Value (1957), The Brothers Karamazov (1958), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (also 1958), Elmer Gantry (1960), Sweet Bird of Youth (1962), The Professionals (1966), In Cold Blood (1967) and Looking for Mr.
