Harry Donald Gerstad was a renowned American film editor who occasionally ventured into directing, garnering widespread acclaim and accolades in his primary field. Born to a family with a rich cinematic heritage, Gerstad was the son of Harry W. Gerstad, a silent film cinematographer who had a profound influence on his life and career.
Growing up in the heart of Hollywood, Gerstad's fascination with the film industry was evident from a young age. He began his journey in the industry by working as a laboratory assistant at Hal Roach Studios, Warner Bros., and eventually, Republic Pictures, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience in the process.
Following the Second World War, Gerstad transitioned to editing feature films at RKO, where he frequently collaborated with the esteemed director Edward Dmytryk, who not only mentored him but also helped him secure employment in the industry. This partnership proved to be a turning point in Gerstad's career, as he began to establish himself as a skilled and dedicated editor.
In 1949, Gerstad was hired by the renowned director Stanley Kramer as his editorial supervisor and editor at Columbia Pictures. This marked the beginning of a fruitful and successful partnership, as Gerstad went on to win an Academy Award for his editing of the film Champion (1949) and shared the Oscar with Elmo Williams for High Noon (1952).
Gerstad's impressive body of work also included his contributions to the popular TV series Adventures of Superman (1952),where he worked alongside Kramer and his team. In addition to his editing duties, Gerstad also directed several episodes of the show, showcasing his versatility and range as a filmmaker.
The 1960s saw Gerstad working as an editorial supervisor for various production companies, including Bing Crosby Productions, 20th Century-Fox, and John Wayne's Batjac Productions. After a long and illustrious career, Gerstad retired in 1973 and relocated to Palm Springs, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Sadly, Gerstad passed away in 2002 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence filmmakers to this day.
