Jean Epstein

Epstein made his directing debut with "Pasteur" (1922) and then signed a ten year contract with Pathe. After several films including the Balzac adaptation "L'Auberge rouge" (1923) and the exceptional, photographically sophisticated "The Faithful Heart" (1923) he dissolved the contract, forming his own production company, Les Films Jean Epstein, in 1926. Epstein is perhaps best known for his inspired adaptation of Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" (1928). His sister Marie worked closely with him as well as directing several films of her own.