Herbert Kline's illustrious career began with his tenure as editor of the esteemed magazine "New Theatre", which served as a springboard for his future endeavors. In the 1930s, he became deeply involved with the New York Film and Photo League, where he received rigorous training as a documentary director. This comprehensive education laid the foundation for his subsequent success.
Kline was one of the first Americans to arrive in Spain during the tumultuous 1930s, as the country was embroiled in a bitter civil war. It was during this time that he produced the documentary "Heart of Spain" (1937),a poignant and powerful film that showcased his exceptional storytelling abilities.
Throughout the 1940s, Kline continued to produce documentaries, occasionally contributing stories or screenplays to Hollywood. However, it was not until the late 1940s that he transitioned to directing feature films. Although his feature film "The Fighter" (1952) received widespread critical acclaim, his output in this genre was not consistently successful.
Despite this, Kline's enduring legacy lies in his remarkable body of documentary work. His films continue to be celebrated for their thought-provoking themes, meticulous production values, and his unwavering commitment to storytelling.
