Stephen F. Kesten

12/20/2001

Stephen F. Kesten, 66, of Alford, a filmmaker with 40 years of credits as a producer, associate producer and production manager, died Dec. 20 at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington. Born in New York City on Aug. 9, 1935, son of Jacob Keston and the late Eti Primus Keston Tudor, he attended City College. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of its swim team. Though perhaps best known in the film industry for his involvement with movies shot in New York City, Mr. Kesten had a long association with the Berkshires, beginning in 1961 when he was the unit production manager of "David & Lisa." A few years later, he served in the same capacity on "Pretty Poison" -- the 1968 film that starred Anthony Perkins -- an experience that cemented his relationship with the county and led him to move here. Later, he produced "End of the Road,'' the 1970 groundbreaking film starring Stacey Keach and James Earl Jones that was shot almost entirely in Berkshire County. Within the film community, Mr. Kesten was respected not only for his own work but also for nurturing young filmmakers. He was considered somewhat of a film doctor as well, one who generously offered his time and advice to peers who called whenever they were stymied by their own production problems. His many credits, in a variety of capacities, include "The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3," "Marathon Man," "The Godfather," "A View From the Bridge," "Cops and Robbers," "Four Friends" (directed by Arthur Penn, another Berkshire County fixture), "Conan the Destroyer," "Whispers in the Dark,'' and "Boomerang." Mr. Kesten lectured about filmmaking at New York University, New School and Simon's Rock, among other schools. A longtime member of the Directors Guild of America, he was recently elected an officer of its East Coast council. He was also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In addition to his father, of New York City, Mr. Kesten is survived by three daughters, Frederika Kesten, an actress in Los Angeles; Christina Weiller of New York City and Johanne Kesten, and a granddaughter, Marlowe Weiller. A gathering of friends will be held at his home in Alford on Saturday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. Donations may be made to the Alford Fire Department in care of FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Reflections and memories for the Kesten family may also be sent to finnerty@bcn.net.

Obituaries

Celebrating Lives & Legacies

Stephen F. Kesten

Memorials