ST. TROPEZ, France, July 21 (UPI) -- Gerard Oury, a comic filmmaker of the 1960s and 1970s, who made "La Grand Vadrouille," the most popular film in France until "Titanic," died in St. Tropez.
The French director was described by President Jacques Chirac as "a master of laughter and good humor" and was known for comic capers, the BBC reported Friday. He was 87.
Oury's other notable films include "Les Aventures de Rabbi Jacob" (The Adventures of Rabbi Jacob) and "La Folie des Grandeurs" (The Folly of Grandeur).
Oury was born in Paris in 1919 and named Max Gerard Houry-Tannebaum, the son of a Jewish violinist. He studied at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art and was a member of the Comedie Francaise before becoming a film actor, the New York Times said.
He escaped France during the Nazi invasion, but returned after World War II.
He directed his first film in 1959 and made 17 movies during his career. Although they were generally comedic, he often touched on serious issues such as racism.
Oury died in his home surrounded by his wife, actress Michele Morgan, and his daughter Daniele, whose mother is actress Jacqueline Roman.
