Movies by David S. Ward

David S. Ward: A Comedic Master of the Underdog As a director and screenwriter, David S. Ward has carved out a distinctive niche for himself in Hollywood, crafting a slew of beloved comedies that champion the stories of underdogs and mavericks. With a sharp eye for eccentric characters and a knack for blending humor with genuine heart, Ward has brought to life some of the most enduring sports movies and offbeat comedies of the past few decades. Ward first gained widespread acclaim as the screenwriter of the classic 1973 caper film The Sting, earning an Academy Award for his ingenious, twisty plot. But it was his work behind the camera that truly solidified his reputation as a comedic auteur. Films like the baseball comedy Major League and the seafaring farce Down Periscope showcase Ward's talent for finding the humor in society's outcasts and misfits, infusing their stories with a winning blend of irreverence and poignancy. Even when tackling high-concept premises, as in the fish-out-of-water comedy King Ralph, Ward maintains a keen sense of character and an ability to ground the absurdity in relatable human drama. Whether chronicling the travails of a struggling minor league baseball team or the adventures of an unlikely British monarch, Ward's films share a distinctively playful sensibility and an affection for underdogs that have made him one of the most reliable purveyors of laughter in modern cinema.