Norman Thaddeus Vane facts for kids

Norman Thaddeus Vane (born Norman Thatteus Vein; July 7, 1928 – May 2, 2015) was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. He was known for his work on movies like Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter (1968), Lola (1969), and the horror film Frightmare (1983).

Early Life

Norman Thaddeus Vane was born in Brookhaven, New York. When he was 18, he changed his religion to Roman Catholicism. He served in the United States Merchant Marine for one year. After that, he spent two years in the US Air Force. He later attended Columbia University using a special program for veterans called the G.I. Bill.

Film Career

Starting Out in Theater and Film

Vane began his career in theater. His first play, "The Penguin," opened in New York City in 1952. It received very good reviews. He then had a play on Broadway called "Harbor Lights."

In the 1960s and early 1970s, Vane lived in London, England. There, he wrote and directed his first two films, "Conscience Bay" and "The Fledglings." He also managed two nightclubs during this time. One of them was Esmeralda's Barn. He later sold this club.

Vane wrote the 1968 film Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter. The next year, he was a writer and associate producer for the movie Lola. This film starred Charles Bronson. Vane's marriage to Sarah Caldwell, whom he had cast in Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter, partly inspired the story of Lola.

Directing and Writing Horror Films

In 1972, Vane wrote the screenplay for the mafia film 1931: Once Upon a Time in New York. He also wrote the story and screenplay for the 1976 film Shadow of the Hawk.

Vane directed and wrote the 1983 film Frightmare. This horror movie made fun of parts of the classic 1931 film Dracula. In 1984, he wrote and directed another horror film called The Black Room.

Later Films

Vane wrote, directed, and produced the 1986 film Club Life. This movie featured famous actors like Tony Curtis and Dee Wallace. Critics had different opinions about his work on Club Life. Some praised his directing for keeping the story clear and exciting. Others found the film's style a bit too dramatic.

He was also the writer and director for the 1989 film Midnight, which was also known as Midnight for Morticia. Vane produced this film with Gloria J. Morrison. It starred many well-known actors, including Tony Curtis and Lynn Redgrave.

Vane produced and directed the film Taxi Dancers. This movie was about a woman's experiences as a taxi dancer. It was shown at the famous Cannes Film Festival. His last film, "You're So Dead," was never officially released.

Norman Thaddeus Vane passed away on May 2, 2015, at the age of 86. He died from heart failure.

Filmography

Films

Television

See also

• Horror film
• List of comedy horror films
• List of horror films
• List of film and television directors