David Blewitt: Mastering the Motion Picture Narrative
An exploration of the career of an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning film editor, whose meticulous craft shaped some of cinema's most memorable moments.
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Biographical Foundation
Early Life and Origins
David Edward Blewitt was born on August 7, 1928, in Los Angeles, California. His early engagement with the entertainment industry began at the age of fifteen when he worked as an usher at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. This foundational experience in a cinematic environment foreshadowed his future career.
Wartime Service
During World War II, Blewitt enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. His service included a vital role as an aerial reconnaissance photographer, a position that demanded precision and an eye for detailโskills that would later prove invaluable in his film editing career.
Transition to Cinema
Upon returning to Los Angeles after the war, Blewitt initially pursued a career as a cinematographer, contributing to television programs such as Hollywood and the Stars. His path soon led him to film editing, a transition catalyzed by his work at David L. Wolper Productions. Here, he met and often collaborated with Jack Haley Jr., and his early work included projects like That's Entertainment! and The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.
Family and Connections
David Blewitt passed away on July 8, 2010, in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 81, due to complications from Parkinson's disease. He was survived by his wife, Ann; his daughter, Risa Bastien; her husband, Steve Bastien; and his granddaughter, Annabel. Notably, Blewitt was a first cousin once removed to U.S. President Joe Biden, connected through his paternal grandfather, Edward Francis Blewitt.
Professional Trajectory
Early Collaborations
Blewitt's transition into film editing was marked by his association with David L. Wolper Productions. Here, he developed a working relationship with Jack Haley Jr., contributing to acclaimed documentaries and specials such as That's Entertainment! (1974), That's Entertainment, Part II (1976), and Life Goes to War: Hollywood and the Home Front. His early work also included Movin' with Nancy and The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.
Feature Film Milestones
Blewitt's expertise extended to major feature films. He contributed to Butterflies Are Free (1972) and The Buddy Holly Story (1978). His significant contributions were recognized with an Academy Award nomination for his editing work on The Competition (1980). His involvement in the 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters cemented his reputation as a key editor in Hollywood.
Television Contributions
Beyond feature films, Blewitt made substantial contributions to television. His later television credits included work on the popular series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. His editing prowess was further acknowledged with an Emmy Award in 1993 for the television special Bob Hope: The First 90 Years.
Accolades and Recognition
Academy Award Nomination
In 1980, David Blewitt received an Academy Award nomination for Best Film Editing for his work on the drama The Competition, directed by Joel Oliansky. This nomination underscored his significant talent and contribution to cinematic storytelling.
Emmy Award Win
Blewitt's exceptional skill in television editing was recognized with an Emmy Award in 1993 for his work on the television special Bob Hope: The First 90 Years. This award highlighted his versatility across different media formats.
ACE Eddie Awards and Career Achievement
Throughout his distinguished 40-year career, Blewitt was honored by the American Cinema Editors (ACE). He received two ACE Eddie Awards out of a total of five nominations. In recognition of his extensive contributions and impact on the craft, he was presented with the prestigious American Cinema Editors Career Achievement Award in 2004.
Comprehensive Filmography
Editor - Feature Films
David Blewitt's extensive work as an editor on feature films showcases his versatility and impact across various genres.
Year | Film | Director | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1971 | The Love Machine | Jack Haley Jr. | |
1972 | Hammersmith Is Out | Peter Ustinov | |
Butterflies Are Free | Milton Katselas | First collaboration with Milton Katselas | |
1973 | 40 Carats | Second collaboration with Milton Katselas | |
1975 | Report to the Commissioner | Third collaboration with Milton Katselas | |
1978 | The Buddy Holly Story | Steve Rash | First collaboration with Steve Rash |
1979 | Steel | Steve Carver | |
1980 | In God We Trust | Marty Feldman | |
The Competition | Joel Oliansky | ||
1981 | Under the Rainbow | Steve Rash | Second collaboration with Steve Rash |
1983 | Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 | Dick Lowry | |
D.C. Cab | Joel Schumacher | First collaboration with Joel Schumacher | |
1984 | Ghostbusters | Ivan Reitman | |
1985 | Fast Forward | Sidney Poitier | |
1986 | Psycho III | Anthony Perkins | |
1987 | Hell Hunters | Ernst R. von Theumer | |
1988 | Moonwalker | Colin Chilvers | "Smooth Criminal" segment |
Editorial Department
Contributions in roles beyond lead editor, often involving additional or specialized editing tasks.
Year | Film | Director | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1990 | Flatliners | Joel Schumacher | Additional editor | Second collaboration with Joel Schumacher |
1991 | Dying Young | Third collaboration with Joel Schumacher |
Additional Crew
Roles that supported the production beyond direct editing responsibilities.
Year | Film | Director | Role |
---|---|---|---|
1961 | Night Tide | Curtis Harrington | Production assistant |
Documentaries
Key editing contributions to significant documentary projects.
Year | Film | Director |
---|---|---|
1973 | Wattstax | Mel Stuart |
1974 | That's Entertainment! | Jack Haley Jr. |
1976 | That's Entertainment, Part II | Gene Kelly |
1977 | Life Goes to War: Hollywood and the Home Front | Jack Haley Jr. |
Shorts
Work on short films, showcasing early cinematography skills.
Year | Film | Director |
---|---|---|
1974 | Just One More Time | Michael J. Shapiro |
TV Documentaries
Editing and camera work for television documentary productions.
Year | Film | Director |
---|---|---|
1965 | The Way Out Men | Mel Stuart |
The Teenage Revolution | Kent Mackenzie | |
Pro Football: Mayhem on a Sunday Afternoon | William Friedkin | |
In Search of Man | Eugene S. Jones | |
1966 | The Thin Blue Line | William Friedkin |
Wall Street: Where the Money Is | Mel Stuart | |
The World of Animals: It's a Dog's World | Alan Landsburg, Joseph L. Scanlan | |
The Making of a President: 1964 | Mel Stuart | |
1967 | A Nation of Immigrants | Robert Abel, Aram Boyajian, Mel Stuart |
1968 | The World of Animals: The World of Horses | Joseph L. Scanlan |
1969 | Hollywood: The Selznick Years | Marshall Flaum |
1970 | The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau: Tragedy of the Red Salmon | Jacques Renoir |
1982 | Hollywood: The Gift of Laughter | Jack Haley Jr. |
1990 | The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic | Jack Haley Jr. |
1993 | Bob Hope: The First 90 Years | Allan Kartun |
Year | Film | Director | Role |
---|---|---|---|
1965 | The Incredible World of James Bond | Jack Haley Jr. | Cinematographer: Hollywood |
Year | Film | Director |
---|---|---|
1965 | Revolution in Our Time | David H. Vowell |
Pro Football: Mayhem on a Sunday Afternoon | William Friedkin | |
1968 | The World of Animals: The World of Horses | Joseph L. Scanlan |
The World of Animals: Big Cats, Little Cats | Bud Wiser |
TV Series
Significant contributions to episodic television.
Year | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|
1965 | Men in Crisis | 1 episode |
1965โ66 | Time-Life Specials: The March of Time | 9 episodes |
1967 | Untamed Frontier | 1 episode |
1967โ69 | National Geographic Specials | 4 episodes |
1970 | The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau | 2 episodes |
1993 | Key West | 1 episode |
1995โ99 | Hercules: The Legendary Journeys | 3 episodes |
2000 | Xena: Warrior Princess | 1 episode |
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1963โ64 | Hollywood and the Stars | Assistant editor | 6 episodes |
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1974 | ABC Late Night | Special photography | 1 episode |
Year | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|
1964 | Hollywood and the Stars | 6 episodes |
Year | Title | Credit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1993 | Key West | Associate producer | 12 episodes |
TV Specials
Editing and camera work for notable television specials.
Year | Title | Director |
---|---|---|
1967 | With Love, Sophia | Michael Pfleghar |
Movin' with Nancy | Jack Haley Jr. | |
1968 | Monte Carlo: C'est La Rose | Michael Pfleghar |
The Beat of the Brass | Jack Haley Jr. |
Year | Film | Director | Role |
---|---|---|---|
1965 | The Incredible World of James Bond | Jack Haley Jr. | Cinematographer: Hollywood |
Enduring Impact
The Art of the Cut
David Blewitt's career spanned decades, marked by a consistent ability to shape narratives and enhance visual storytelling through precise editing. His work on iconic films like Ghostbusters and his numerous acclaimed documentaries and television programs demonstrate a profound understanding of pacing, rhythm, and emotional resonance. His accolades, including an Academy Award nomination and an Emmy Award, are testaments to his mastery of the craft and his significant contribution to the art of film editing.
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