Max-Gérard Houry Tannenbaum, a highly acclaimed French filmmaker, thespian, and wordsmith, entered this world on April 29, 1919, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. His paternal lineage was steeped in musical tradition, as his father, Serge Tannenbaum, was a skilled violinist, while his maternal lineage was marked by journalistic prowess, as his mother, Marcelle Houry, was a respected journalist. Oury's educational trajectory was characterized by his attendance at the prestigious Lycée Janson de Sailly, a renowned institution, and the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art, a premier institution for the study of the dramatic arts.
Noted French actor, he joined the prestigious Comédie-Française in the year preceding the outbreak of World War II, yet, as the Vichy government's anti-Semitic policies began to unfold, he felt compelled to flee to Switzerland in an effort to escape the persecution that threatened his very existence.
Following the war, he rekindled his passion for acting, resuming his career on the stage, as well as taking on supporting roles in various cinematic productions.
Oury embarked on a remarkable journey as a movie director in the year 1959, marking the release of his inaugural film, The Itchy Palm, a milestone that would pave the way for a lifelong dedication to the craft.
As the years progressed, Oury's talent and perseverance began to yield tangible results, with his 1961 crime drama, Crime Does Not Pay, garnering widespread critical acclaim and cementing his status as a rising star in the film industry.
This early success, coupled with his undeniable flair for the dramatic, led Oury to form an enduring partnership with the illustrious André Bourvil and Louis de Funès, a dynamic trio that would go on to create some of the most beloved and enduring comedies of the era.
The 1965 release of The Sucker, a sidesplitting comedy that showcased Oury's mastery of the genre, catapulted him to the forefront of commercial filmmaking, forever changing the landscape of the industry and solidifying his position as a household name.
The Sucker, a notable film, was showcased at the 4th Moscow International Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in its cinematic journey. In the following year, Oury unveiled Don't Look Now... We're Being Shot At!, which would go on to achieve unparalleled success, captivating the largest audiences France had ever witnessed. This remarkable achievement stood the test of time, remaining the box-office record for decades until it was eventually surpassed in 1997 by James Cameron's monumental film, Titanic.
Oury's directorial endeavors in the cinematic realm led to the creation of the 1969 comedy masterpiece, Le Cerveau, also affectionately known as The Brain, in English, boasting a stellar cast led by the renowned David Niven, who brought to life the captivating character of a criminal mastermind.
Notably, Oury's personal life was marked by a long-term relationship with the esteemed French actress Michèle Morgan, and he was the proud father of the accomplished French writer, Danièle Thompson, as well as the doting grandfather of the talented actor and writer, Christopher Thompson.
Tragically, Oury's life was cut short when he passed away on July 20, 2006, at the ripe age of 87, in the picturesque town of Saint-Tropez, leaving behind a legacy of artistic and creative endeavors that continue to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.
