Ellsworth Fredericks

Biography

Ellsworth Fredericks (June 2, 1904 – August 16, 1993) was an American cinematographer whose career spanned several decades. He was known for films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Sayonara, Friendly Persuasion, and Wild River.

Early Life and Career

Fredericks was born in The Bronx, New York. He began working in the film industry in the late 1920s as an assistant cameraman and later became a camera operator. He worked with several leading cinematographers at studios including Warner Bros. and MGM.

During World War II, he served as a major in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and worked as an official cinematographer for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. After the war, he returned to Hollywood and continued his work in cinematography.

Film Career

Fredericks became a director of photography in the 1950s and worked across dramas, westerns, science-fiction films, and thrillers. His notable cinematography credits include:

• At Gunpoint (1955)
• Friendly Persuasion (1956)
• Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
• Sayonara (1957)
• Wild River (1960)
• Escape from Zahrain (1962)
• The Stripper (1963)
• Seven Days in May (1964)
• Return of the Gunfighter (1967)
• Charro! (1969) 

Sayonara

One of Fredericks' most important achievements was his work on Sayonara (1957), directed by Joshua Logan and starring Marlon Brando. His cinematography earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Fredericks was also the cinematographer for Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), the influential science-fiction thriller directed by Don Siegel. His work contributed to the film's tense and unsettling visual atmosphere.

Television Work

Alongside feature films, Fredericks worked extensively in television. His credits included programs such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, General Electric Theatre, Suspicion, and The Deputy.

Death and Legacy

Ellsworth Fredericks died on August 16, 1993, in San Marcos, California, at the age of 89.