Woodbridge Strong Van Dyke II (March 21, 1889 – February 5, 1943) was an American
film director and writer who made several successful early
sound films, including
Tarzan the Ape Man in 1932,
The Thin Man in 1934,
San Francisco in 1936, and six popular musicals with
Nelson Eddy and
Jeanette MacDonald. He received two Academy Award nominations for Best Director for
The Thin Man and
San Francisco, and directed four actors to Oscar nominations:
William Powell,
Spencer Tracy,
Norma Shearer, and
Robert Morley. Known as a reliable craftsman who made his films on schedule and under budget, he earned the name "One Take Woody" for his quick and efficient style of filming.