Talk:W. S. Van Dyke

"and although not regarded as one of the screen's most talented directors"

I take issue with this statement. The view on that is somewhat evolutionary. Contemporary accounts do identify him as one of Hollywood's top directors, and he enjoyed the respect of peers, actors and even Louis B. Mayer. In the wake of the "auteur theory" of the 1950s, directors like Van Dyke did not fare so well as they do not conform easily to the notion of 'auteur' in that such directors gave the studio what it wanted. In more recent times, directors previously condemned with the rubric 'studio director' have enjoyed a renewed critical interest in that creative freedom within the old studio system is being recognized. Victor Fleming's renewed reputation is a major indicator of that, and Van Dyke is not far behind, both in terms of quality of work and artistic success. The only source I can find which reinforces the idea that Van Dyke is not among the talented is allmovie.com and this is an unreliable article at best, reflecting outdated notions and amplifying on the "One Take Woody" theme without really comprehending what it meant. This method of working did not have the same outcome as with William Beaudine. I suggest the comment is unsourced and ought to be removed.Pinikadia 17:36, 11 April 2015 (UTC)

Since the above well-reasoned comments have not been disputed in two and a half years, I will remove the unsourced statement that Van Dyke was "not regarded as one of the screen's most talented directors" per WP:V and as original research. Edison (talk) 13:03, 2 January 2018 (UTC)

Excessive citations.

There seems to be too many citations for one of the sentences of this individual's bio. Unless there is any major opposition to this, I will be removing a significant amount. I feel that one to three is a good amount, but if there is anyone who finds that to be a bad range then speak now or forever hold your peace.Crazymantis91 (talk) 01:03, 23 February 2018 (UTC)

Birth on the same day as his father's death

I'm interested to know the source for the assertion that Woody was born on the same day as his father's death.

My records show the elder Woodbridge Strong Van Dyke deceased on 12 March 1890, and the younger was born on 21 March 1890.