Elliott Kastner

Biography

Elliott Kastner (January 7, 1930 – June 30, 2010) was an American film producer and former talent agent who became one of the most prominent independent producers of British and American cinema. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he was associated with films such as Harper, Where Eagles Dare, The Long Goodbye, The Missouri Breaks, Equus, and Angel Heart.

Early Life

Elliott Kastner was born on January 7, 1930, in New York City. He studied at the University of Miami and Columbia University. He later began his professional career as a talent agent with the Music Corporation of America (MCA).

In 1962, Kastner became vice president of production at Universal Pictures. He left the studio after two years and decided to work independently as a producer.

Producing Career

Kastner's first film as a producer was ** Bus Riley's Back in Town (1965)**, starring Ann-Margret and Michael Parks. Although the film was not a major success, it marked the beginning of a long and influential producing career.

He subsequently formed Winkast Film Productions with producer Jerry Gershwin and established his production base at Pinewood Studios in England. Their early successes included ** Harper (1966)**, based on Ross Macdonald's detective novel and starring Paul Newman.

Where Eagles Dare

One of Kastner's biggest successes was ** Where Eagles Dare (1968)**, directed by Brian G. Hutton and starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood.

Kastner persuaded novelist Alistair MacLean to write an original screenplay specifically as a vehicle for Burton. The project became a major international hit and led Kastner to produce several other films based on MacLean's work.

Major Productions

Kastner was involved in a wide range of genres, including thrillers, westerns, dramas, crime films, and literary adaptations. His notable productions included:

• Harper (1966)
• Kaleidoscope (1966)
• Where Eagles Dare (1968)
• When Eight Bells Toll (1971)
• The Long Goodbye (1973)
• Rancho Deluxe (1975)
• The Missouri Breaks (1976)
• Equus (1977)
• The Big Sleep (1978)
• The First Deadly Sin (1980)
• Heat (1986)
• Angel Heart (1987)
• The Blob (1988)
• Love Is All There Is (1996)
• Sweet November (2001)
• Opa! (2005) 

The Missouri Breaks

Kastner produced ** The Missouri Breaks (1976)**, directed by Arthur Penn and starring Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, and Randy Quaid.

The unconventional western follows horse rustler Tom Logan and the rancher who hires an eccentric bounty hunter to stop him. The film became notable for the unusual performances of Brando and Nicholson and for Kastner's willingness to support unconventional material.

Collaboration with Writers and Directors

Kastner developed a reputation for working with strong writers and filmmakers and for financing projects independently before bringing them to major studios. His producing style gave him considerable creative influence over his films.

He was associated with filmmakers including Arthur Penn, Robert Altman, Brian G. Hutton, and Alan Parker, among others. His productions frequently featured major actors such as Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, Mickey Rourke, and others.

Angel Heart

Another important production was ** Angel Heart (1987)**, directed by Alan Parker and starring Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, and Lisa Bonet.

The psychological horror film combined elements of film noir, mystery, and supernatural drama. It became one of Kastner's best-known later productions.

Independent Producing Style

Kastner was regarded as a maverick independent producer. Rather than relying exclusively on the traditional Hollywood studio system, he frequently arranged private financing and then sold completed films to studios or distributors. This approach gave him greater control over the projects he produced.

His career was particularly connected with British filmmaking, and he was among the American producers who established a long-term production presence in Europe.

Personal Life

Kastner was married to Tessa Georgina Kennedy, and they had two children. He also became the stepfather of actor Cary Elwes and producers Cassian Elwes and Damian Elwes.

Death

Elliott Kastner died on June 30, 2010, in London, England, at the age of 80. He died from cancer.