**Michael Curtiz (1886-1962)** was a prolific and versatile Hungarian-American director, known for his long and influential career in Hollywood, especially at Warner Bros. He directed over 100 films, masterfully spanning diverse genres such as adventure, melodrama, musicals, and noir.

His undisputed masterpiece is **_Casablanca_** (1942), which earned him an Oscar, an iconic film for its drama and performances. Among his most significant works are also **_The Adventures of Robin Hood_** (1938), **_Yankee Doodle Dandy_** (1942), and **_Mildred Pierce_** (1945).

His style was characterized by dynamic direction, skillful use of light and shadow (often a precursor to film noir), and solid narration, making him a pillar of the studio system.