Maury Gertsman

Birth : 1907-04-17, Pennsylvania, USA

Death : 1999-12-13

History

From Wikipedia Maury Gertsman (17 April 1907 - 13 December 1999) was a senior-ranked cinematographer at Universal Pictures from the mid-1940s through the mid-1950s. Gertsman's first film of note was Jungle Captive and he distinguished himself with his lensing of the final two Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, Terror by Night and Dressed to Kill. His most interesting project of the mid-1940s, however, was the final Rondo Hatton vehicle, The Brute Man, which made Universal sufficiently uncomfortable that they sold it off to Poverty Row distributor Producers Releasing Corporation. At American International Pictures he photographed the horror satire How to Make a Monster, while at United Artists he lensed Invisible Invaders and The Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake. In 1959, he became the cinematographer on the television series Adventures in Paradise. His film work became far less frequent after 1960, although he did find himself roped into the production of The Creeping Terror in 1964. Like many of his contemporaries, Gertsman finished his career working in television, on shows like Arthur Lubin's Mister Ed series (1961-66) for Filmways Television and most specifically for superstar Lucille Ball and her two subsequent sitcoms The Lucy Show (1962-68) and Here's Lucy (1968-74), the latter of which was produced under her own Lucille Ball Productions, Inc. banner.

Movies

Happy Anniversary and Goodbye
Director of Photography
As her 25th anniversary approaches, Norma Michaels realizes that her marriage to her dentist husband Malcolm has become boring. Seeking independence, Norma turns to her friend Fay while Malcolm receives advice from his swinging associate Greg.
The Lucille Ball Comedy Hour
Director of Photography
Six Black Horses
Director of Photography
Audie and Dan Duryea are hired by a mysterious woman to take her across Indian country to her husband. On route, she tries to seduce Audie by offering to give him Duryea's share of the money if he will help her achieve her real goal: kill Duryea for having killed her husband. Audie dreams of a getting enough money to buy a ranch of his own, but his loyalty to his friend prevails. In the end, Duryea is killed anyway by the Indians and gets his wish: a funeral carriage pulled by - you guessed it - six black horses.
Police Dog Story
Director of Photography
After exhaustive training, a police dog joins an arson investigation.
Five Guns to Tombstone
Director of Photography
Billy Wade (James Brown) is an ex-gunslinger who is approached by his outlaw brother Matt (Robert Karnes), not long out of prison, to help him with a big-time robbery. Matt forces Billy's participation with an offer he cannot refuse, unaware that Billy is actually working on the side of the law.
The Walking Target
Director of Photography
An ex-con finds unexpected romance with the widow of his former accomplice as he tries to collect his hidden loot.
Cage of Evil
Director of Photography
While investigating a diamond heist, disgruntled cop Harper falls for Holly, the top suspect's main squeeze. When she convinces him to kill her boyfriend and make off with her and the loot, they start down a treacherous path full of dark surprises.
The Music Box Kid
Director of Photography
A young gangster in 1920's New York quickly rises through the ranks of the mob, then sets up his own murder-for-hire organization. When he starts kidnapping other mobsters for ransom, the New York gangs band together for revenge.
Three Came to Kill
Director of Photography
Assassins take a flight controller's family hostage to force him into revealing the aircraft carrying their quarry.
Gunfighters of Abilene
Director of Photography
A gunman receives a request for help from his brother, but arrives too late to save him from the lawless rancher who wanted him dead.
Timbuktu
Director of Photography
An American wheeler-dealer woos a colonel's wife amid danger at a French Foreign Legion fort.
The Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake
Director of Photography
Jonathan Drake, while attending his brother's funeral, is shocked to find the head of the deceased is missing. When his brother's skull shows up later in a locked cabinet, Drake realizes an ancient curse placed upon his grandfather by a tribe of South American Jivaro Indians is still in effect and that he himself is the probable next victim.
Pier 5, Havana
Director of Photography
A Yank comes to Havana in search of an old friend who disappeared during the Cuban Revolution, and discovers a group of Batista sympathizers plotting to overturn Castro.
Inside the Mafia
Director of Photography
A mob assassin holds innocent hostages at an airport in upstate New York.
Invisible Invaders
Director of Photography
Aliens, contacting scientist Adam Penner, inform him that they have been on the moon for twenty thousand years, undetected due to their invisibility, and have now decided to annihilate humanity unless all the nations of earth surrender immediately. Sequestered in an impregnable laboratory trying to find the aliens' weakness, Penner, his daughter, a no-nonsense army major and a squeamish scientist are attacked from outside by the aliens, who have occupied the bodies of the recently deceased.
Riot in Juvenile Prison
Director of Photography
When the shootings of two juvenile inmates bring public protest, a psychologist is brought in to see if he can do anything to control the problems peacefully.
How to Make a Monster
Director of Photography
When master monster make-up man Pete Dumond is fired by the new bosses of American International studios, he uses his creations to exact revenge.
Gun Duel In Durango
Director of Photography
A former outlaw must prove himself innocent after he's accused of bank robbery. Western.
I've Lived Before
Director of Photography
Seeing a certain woman makes an airline pilot think he is a reincarnated World War I pilot.
Behind the High Wall
Director of Photography
A group prison breakout goes from bad to worse when the desperate warden tries to steal the gang's dough.
The Creature Walks Among Us
Director of Photography
Scientists surgically transform the Creature into an air-breather, but being able to live on land is not enough to make him comfortable with humans. Enraged, he turns his wrath on anyone who comes near as he desperately tries to return to the deep-water world where he truly belongs.
Raw Edge
Director of Photography
A Texan arrives in Oregon and seeks justice for his innocently-hanged brother
Never Say Goodbye
Director of Photography
In present-day U.S., Dr. Michael Parker, a prominent surgeon, unexpectedly runs into his German-born wife whom he thought was dead. Victor, an artist and his "dead" wife's now boyfriend, berates Dr. Parker for "killing" her. The bulk of the story flashes back to Austria during World War II as we learn how Dr. Parker met and married his wife, and the one mistake that may have cost him his family.
World in My Corner
Director of Photography
A scrappy fighter from Jersey City named Tommy Shea -- "born in a dump, educated in an alley" -- catches the eye of wealthy businessman, Robert Mallinson, who allows him to train at his Long Island estate. Shea soon falls for Mallinson's daughter, Dorothy, but fears he doesn't have the money to support her in proper style. To get this money, Shea decides to work with crooked fight-promoter Harry Cram, even though this means dropping his honest manager, Dave Bernstein. As the big fight approaches, however, Shea begins to have second thoughts.
The Spoilers
Director of Photography
In 1899 Alaska, miners have to protect themselves from a phony legal team trying to steal their gold claims.
To Hell and Back
Director of Photography
The true WWII story of Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in U.S. history. Based on the autobiography of Audie Murphy who stars as himself in the film.
One Desire
Director of Photography
The "one desire" of ex-gambler Clint Saunders and bar woman Tacey Cromwell is to escape their shady former lives and settle down to respectability. With Clint's younger brother and an orphaned girl in tow, the couple moves to a Colorado mining town where their love is tested by Judith Watrous, daughter of the town banker, who has her sights on Clint.
So This Is Paris
Director of Photography
Three sailors on leave head for Paris with one thing on their minds.
Bengal Brigade
Director of Photography
Year 1856, British India. Capt. Jeffrey Claybourne is severely punished after disobeying an order. Feeling unworthy of his fiancée Vivian Morrow, the daughter of his superior officer, Claybourne leaves the army until he could regain his reputation. When the Rajah Karam launches an attack on the British forces in India, Claybourne finds a chance at redemption.
Rails Into Laramie
Director of Photography
A federal agent arrives in Laramie to try to find out who is behind the efforts to stop the construction of a new railroad track.
The Glass Web
Director of Photography
The ice-cold diva Paula ruthlessly exploits the guys she dates. While blackmailing the married Don with a recent one-night-stand, she has a secret affair with Henry, who works as researcher for the weekly authentic TV show "Crime of the Week", which Don writes for. When Henry fails to help her to a role, she insults him deadly... and ends up dead herself. Now Don desperately tries to hide his traces, but Henry sabotages his efforts and suggests he write the unsolved murder case for next week's show...
The All American
Director of Photography
A family tragedy causes a college football quarterback to re-think his goals in life.
The Golden Blade
Director of Photography
Harum is a fearless man of the people who comes to Bagdad to avenge the murder of his father and meets Krairuzan, a princess disguised as a commoner, working against a plot by a band of evil schemers trying to do away with her father, the Caliph. She gives Harum a golden sword which, in his hands, makes him invincible. Harum uses the sword in the name of justice and is doing quite well until a duplicate sword is placed in his scabbard during one of his off-guard moments, and he winds up in chains.
The Great Sioux Uprising
Director of Photography
During the Civil War, in Wyoming, horse dealers Joan Britton and Stephen Cook are competing to supply the Union Army with horses. A Cherokee is in the area to stir up the Sioux against the Union just as Cook decides to steal a herd of Sioux horses. Ex-army doctor Jonathan Westgate opposes Cook’s unscrupulous methods as well as being Cook’s rival for the affections of Joan. It seems Westgate is the only one able to prevent a new Indian war.
The Lone Hand
Director of Photography
Zachary Hallock and his son Joshua are farmers who live in a frontier town that suffers the assaults of a band of outlaws. After the murder of a Pinkerton's detective, the farmers decide to unite against the bandits, but Hallock rejects the proposal. To the astonishment of his son and his fiancée, Hallock decides to join the outlaws.
Just Across the Street
Director of Photography
A plumber's secretary poses as the daughter of a prominent society couple.
The Red Ball Express
Director of Photography
August 1944: proceeding with the invasion of France, Patton's Third Army has advanced so far toward Paris that it cannot be supplied. To keep up the momentum, Allied HQ establishes an elite military truck route.
Meet Danny Wilson
Director of Photography
A lounge singer sees his career skyrocket after he signs a contract for a mobster nightclub owner.
You Never Can Tell
Director of Photography
Ex-police/army dog King inherits a fortune from an eccentric millionaire. But someone poisons him for his fortune. He gets to go back to earth as a human detective to bring his killer to justice and protect the girl who used to look after him.
Cattle Drive
Director of Photography
The spoilt young son of a wealthy railroad owner manages to get himself lost in the middle of nowhere. He is found by a cowboy on a cattle drive and the lad must start learning the hard lessons of working in a team if he wants to make it to San Diego.
Smuggler's Island
Director of Photography
An adventurer about to lose his sloop and diving equipment agrees to dive for illegal gold.
Frenchie
Director of Photography
Frenchie Fontaine sells her successful business in New Orleans to come West. Her reason? Find the men who killed her father, Frank Dawson. But she only knows one of the two who did and she's determined to find out the other.
Louisa
Director of Photography
Architect Hal Norton and wife Meg invite his widowed mother Louisa to move in with them, only to discover the sweet elderly lady is romantically involved with what seems to be every old coot in town.
Comanche Territory
Director of Photography
Silver has been found on comanche territory and the government accomplished a peaceful agreement with the indians. When James 'Jim' Bowie comes into the scene he finds the white settlers living near by planning to attack the indians although they know about that agreement and the beautiful Katie seems to play a leading role in this intrigue.
One Way Street
Director of Photography
After stealing a gangster's money and his girlfriend, a doctor heads for a small village in Mexico to hide out.
Johnny Stool Pigeon
Director of Photography
A federal agent infiltrates a crime syndicate.
City Across the River
Director of Photography
Brooklyn youth Frank Cusack, good son and brother by day, is a gang member by night. The Dukes, seemingly likable dead-end-kids, are dangerously involved with racketeer Gaggsy Steens. Despite the efforts of Franks's parents, he and pal Benny get involved in a serious crime. Can Stan Albert, head of the community center, prevent them from becoming full-time crooks?
Ma and Pa Kettle
Director of Photography
The Kettles and their fifteen children are about to be evicted from their rundown rustic home when Pa wins the grand prize by coming up with a new tobacco slogan. Birdie Hicks is jealous of the family's new wealth, which includes a completely automated modern home, and accuses Pa of stealing the slogan. Reporter Kim Parker proves Birdie wrong and marries Tom Kettle.
Rogues' Regiment
Director of Photography
A post World War 2, US Army agent is assigned to join the Foreign Legion in search of high ranking Nazi war criminal who may have also enlisted.
Rachel and the Stranger
Director of Photography
A widowed farmer takes an indentured servant as his new wife, but the arrival of a passing stranger threatens their burgeoning relationship.
Singapore
Director of Photography
After the war, Matt Gordon returns to Singapore to retrieve a fortune in smuggled pearls. Arrived, he reminisces in flashback about his prewar fiancée, alluring Linda, and her disappearance during the Japanese attack. But now Linda resurfaces...with amnesia and married to rich planter Van Leyden. Meanwhile, sinister fence Mauribus schemes to get Matt's pearls.
Time Out Of Mind
Director of Photography
The son of a wealthy Maine family shocks his relatives by announcing he wants to pursue a career in music.
The Egg and I
Camera Operator
World War II veteran Bob MacDonald surprises his new wife, Betty, by quitting his city job and moving them to a dilapidated farm in the country. While Betty gamely struggles with managing the crumbling house and holding off nosy neighbors and a recalcitrant pig, Bob makes plans for crops and livestock. The couple's bliss is shaken by a visit from a beautiful farm owner, who seems to want more from Bob than just managing her property.
The Brute Man
Director of Photography
A facially disfigured and mentally unhinged man wreaks his revenge on those he blames for his condition.
Lawless Breed
Director of Photography
Government agents Ted Everett and Tumbleweed are sent to Spearville, Texas, where the law agencies have failed to stop a series of bank robberies. Arriving incognito, they become involved with the gang, and end up being accused of murdering banker Bartlet Mellon. They escape a lynch mob and return with evidence that Mellon has faked his death, hoping to gain the insurance, and is also leading the gang under another name.
Dressed to Kill
Director of Photography
A convicted thief in Dartmoor prison hides the location of the stolen Bank of England printing plates inside three music boxes. When the innocent purchasers of the boxes start to be murdered, Holmes and Watson investigate.
She-Wolf of London
Director of Photography
A young heiress finds evidence suggesting that at night she acts under the influence of a family curse and has begun committing ghastly murders in a nearby park.
House of Horrors
Director of Photography
An unsuccessful sculptor saves a madman named "The Creeper" from drowning. Seeing an opportunity for revenge, he tricks the psycho into murdering his critics.
Blonde Alibi
Director of Photography
Soon after a young woman breaks off her engagement to a doctor, the doctor is found murdered. Suspicion falls on his ex-fiancé and a pilot with a checkered past.
Terror by Night
Director of Photography
Holmes and Watson board a passenger train bound from London to Edinburgh, to guard the Star of Rhodesia, an enormous diamond worth a fortune belonging to an elderly woman of wealth; but within the first hour of the trip, the woman's son is murdered and the diamond stolen and any of the passengers in their car could be the killer thief.
Strange Confession
Director of Photography
A scientist who is working on a cure for influenza is victimized by his unscrupulous boss, who releases the vaccine before it's ready, resulting in the death of the scientist's son.
Secret Agent X-9
Director of Photography
American, Chinese and Australian agents join forces to stop the Nazis from obtaining the formula for synthetic fuel.
The Jungle Captive
Director of Photography
Once again Paula the ape woman is brought back to life, this time by a mad doctor and his disfigured assistant, who also kidnaps a nurse in order to have a female blood donor.
The Master Key
Director of Photography
Before the outbreak of WWII, Nazi sympathizers plot to undermine America.
Jungle Queen
Director of Photography
A young girl journeys to Africa to find her father, an explorer who vanished in the jungle.
Riders of the Santa Fe
Director of Photography
Tom Benner controls the town and the water supply. When his stooge Mayor rebels, he has him killed and replaced with Bullseye Johnson who immediately brings in Matt Canway as the town Marshal. Conway doesn't carry a gun but he is soon on to Benner and out to prove that Benner has altered the survey lines to obtain the water rights.
Behind the Mike
Camera Operator
Complications ensue after a radio producer insults a sponsor.
Great Expectations
Assistant Camera
A young boy, Pip, encounters an escaped prisoner, Magwitch, and steals food for him. After the convict is captured, Pip meets the reclusive Miss Havisham and her niece, Estella, eventually becoming friends with the girl. Wealth comes to Pip via a mysterious benefactor and he goes off to London for an education. As adults, Pip and Estella become romantic, and Pip learns the identity of his patron.