Herbert Kline

Born

1909-03-13

Died

1999-02-05

Birthplace

Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Biography

Herbert Kline (March 13, 1909 – 1999) was an American filmmaker known for his powerful documentary work and political activism. Born in Chicago and raised in Davenport, Iowa, Kline was involved in Leftist organizations and contributed to theater and film as an editor, playwright, and director. His early career included editing a theater magazine and staging Clifford Odets' plays. His documentaries covered major historical events, including the Spanish Civil War, Nazi invasions, the Holocaust, and the Mexican Revolution, as well as social topics like modern art and sports. Despite being blacklisted during the 1950s for his political views, Kline returned to filmmaking in the 1970s. He was married twice, first to Rose Margaret Harvan and later to Josine Ianco-Starrels, with whom he had two children. Kline also authored New Theater and Film, 1934–1937. His work was recognized by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which restored and screened two of his World War II-era films.