Austrian theater producer and director. He began his brilliant career as a minor actor in Berlin. By the mid-1920’s, his Grosses Schauspielhaus (Great Theater) had become the theatrical center of Germany. Under his direction, it excelled in spectacular productions and the effective use of setting, design, and color. Reinhardt’s films were as famous as his stage productions. Forced to flee Germany when the Nazis came to power, Reinhardt settled in the U.S. and was active in its theatrical life. He directed the Hollywood film version of his production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Reinhardt is generally regarded as one of the leading influences on the development of both the European and American theater.