Gustav Machatý was a Czech film director and screenwriter, born on March 24, 1901, in Prague. He is best known for his work in the early 20th century, particularly for his controversial film Ecstasy (1933), which gained international attention for its bold themes and innovative cinematography. Machatý's career spanned several decades, during which he directed numerous films in various genres. He eventually moved to Hollywood in the late 1930s, where he continued to work in the film industry, although he never achieved the same level of fame as he did in Europe. He passed away on January 1, 1966.