Nelson Gidding, a celebrated and accomplished writer of remarkable distinction, first set foot in the world in the vibrant city of New York, where a burning passion for the art of writing was ignited within him from a remarkably early age.
Throughout his formative years, Gidding's innate fascination with the written word continued to grow, eventually leading him to enroll at the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, where he honed his skills and further nurtured his passion for the craft.
Subsequent to his academic tenure at Phillips Exeter Academy, Gidding's academic pursuits took him to the esteemed Harvard University, where he had the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of literature and writing, ultimately solidifying his resolve to pursue a career in the field.
Through his education at Harvard, Gidding's passion for writing continued to flourish, ultimately leading him to establish himself as a renowned writer of great renown.
Gidding's earliest manifestations of his remarkable aptitude for creative expression were already beginning to surface in his formative years, when as a young lad, he managed to have one of his poems published in the esteemed Boy Scouts magazine, an achievement that he would later look back upon with a mix of nostalgia and mirth, fondly recalling the mid-1920s as the time when this notable milestone occurred.
Gidding's existence underwent a profound transformation when he found himself held captive as a prisoner of war during the tumultuous years of World War II. It was during this period of confinement that he began to channel his creative energy into writing, ultimately producing his debut and, indeed, sole literary work, the remarkable novel "End Over End". Following his liberation, Gidding made a seamless transition into the world of television, lending his talents to a plethora of acclaimed programs, including the esteemed "Suspense" and the beloved "Sergeant Preston of the Yukon".
The filmography of Gidding is a testament to his remarkable talent, boasting a diverse array of critically acclaimed titles that have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Notable among these are "Odds Against Tomorrow", a gripping thriller that pushed the boundaries of the genre; "The Haunting", a chilling adaptation that continues to send shivers down the spines of audiences to this day; and "The Andromeda Strain", a thought-provoking sci-fi epic that delved into the very fabric of human existence.
Furthermore, Gidding's contribution to the world of cinema extends beyond his work as a director, as he also co-wrote the screenplay for "I Want to Live!", a biographical drama that received an Academy Award nomination. This powerful and poignant film tells the true story of Barbara Graham, a complex and multifaceted individual who was wrongly accused of murder and ultimately executed in a gas chamber. Graham's life was marked by tragedy and hardship, but her story has been immortalized on the big screen, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and social justice.
Notably, Gidding's professional journey began with a significant collaboration with renowned director Robert Wise, laying the foundation for a prolonged and fruitful working relationship that would span multiple projects. This auspicious start marked the beginning of a creative partnership that would yield numerous notable achievements. In addition to his work in the film industry, Gidding also devoted himself to imparting his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of writers, graciously sharing his skills and insights by teaching a screenwriting class at the prestigious University of Southern California. Through this mentorship, he played a vital role in shaping the careers of aspiring writers, leaving a lasting impact on the world of filmmaking.
Throughout the extensive trajectory of his professional journey, Gidding's unwavering commitment to his artistic endeavors and his remarkable capacity to effortlessly transition between various creative mediums have collectively garnered him a reputation of esteemed recognition and profound respect within the sphere of his chosen profession.
