William Girdler

William Girdler was an American filmmaker. In a span of six years, from 1972 to 1978, he directed nine feature films in such genres as horror and action. Girdler also wrote and produced three of his features, Abby, Sheba, Baby and The Manitou.

Life and career

Girdler was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He made his first films with a home movie camera at the age of 8 and by the age of 23, produced his first film, Asylum of Satan. He was the founder of the Mid-America Pictures corporation
Among the films he directed were Asylum of Satan, Three on a Meathook, Zebra Killers, Abby, Sheba, Baby, Project: Kill, Grizzly, and The Day of the Animals. Grizzly was one of the top 10 grossing pictures in the United States in 1976 and the most profitable independent film in history up to that time. His final film, The Manitou, was made in 1977 and released a few weeks after his death.

Death

William Girdler died in a helicopter crash in the Philippines about 30 miles from Manila on January 21, 1978. Along with producer Patrick Allan Kelly, Girdler was scouting filming locations for a film about drug smuggling. The body was flown from Manila to Los Angeles for a memorial service. His remains were later flown to Louisville, where he was buried in Cave Hill Cemetery.

Personal life

Girdler was married twice. He was first married to Barbara Peter. They had two children: a son, William Brent Girdler Jr, and a daughter, Barbara Laurice Girdler. Girdler was later married to photographer Avis Ann Smith, until the time of his death in 1978.