Born in Kiev, Russian Empire (now Ukraine). Began his film career at Leningrad's Nordkino studios in 1923, moved to Germany in 1925 and began directing for UFA in 1930. Following the international success of the French production, MAYERLING (1936), Litvak moved to the US where he signed with Warner Bros. in 1937. He earned a reputation as a capable handler of urban dramas [CITY FOR CONQUEST (1940), BLUES IN THE NIGHT (1941), SORRY, WRONG NUMBER (1948)] and received critical acclaim for THE SNAKE PIT (1948), a harrowing, realistic account of life in a mental institution. Litvak's post-50s work -- all European -- consisted primarily of glossy, somewhat turgid star vehicles. He was married to actress Miriam Hopkins (1937-39) and, later, costume designer Sophie Steur, who worked on some of his films. Visit the Internet Movie Database for a listing of Litvak's directing, writing and producing credits.  Nominated for Best Picture 1948: THE SNAKE PIT - Producer at 20th Century-Fox (w. Robert Bassler)  Nominated for Directing 1948: THE SNAKE PIT  Nominated for Best Picture 1951: DECISION BEFORE DAWN - Producer at 20th Century-Fox (w. Frank McCarthy) 3 nominations