David Bretherton

Biography

David Bretherton was a highly respected American film editor, best known for his work in Hollywood during the mid-to-late 20th century. Born into a film industry family—his father, Howard Bretherton, was a film director, and his mother was a script supervisor—David was exposed to filmmaking from a young age. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II before embarking on a career in film editing.

Career Highlights:

Bretherton began his editing career at Twentieth Century Fox as an assistant editor and gradually moved up the ranks. He worked on a wide array of genres, showcasing his adaptability and precision in storytelling. His most acclaimed work came in 1972 when he won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing for Cabaret, directed by Bob Fosse. The film's seamless blend of musical performance and narrative was largely credited to Bretherton’s innovative editing style.

Throughout his career, he collaborated with several top directors and worked on numerous major films, including:

The Flight of the Phoenix (1965)

The Hallelujah Trail (1965)

Doctor Dolittle (1967)

Cabaret (1972)

Bound for Glory (1976)

Prizzi’s Honor (1985)

His editing work was known for its rhythm, clarity, and contribution to dramatic tension, particularly in musicals and complex narratives.

Legacy:

David Bretherton’s legacy lies in his masterful contributions to film editing, which helped shape the pacing and emotional impact of several classic movies. His work on Cabaret remains a benchmark in film editing studies. Remembered as a craftsman of the cutting room, Bretherton’s influence continues to inspire editors and filmmakers around the world.