Karl W. Freund (January 16, 1890-May 3, 1969) was a German cinematographer who worked on over 100 films, including Metropolis (1927), Dracula (1931), and Key Largo (1948). He won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for The Good Earth (1937). He also directed over a half dozen films, including The Mummy (1932).

In the 1950s, at the height of his movie career, he was persuaded by Desi Arnaz to be the cinematographer for Arnaz's television series I Love Lucy; critics have credited Freund for the show's lustrous black and white cinematography.

Born in Königinhof, Bohemia, his career began in 1905 when, at age 15, he got a job as an assistant projectionist for a film company in Berlin.

German cinematographers

German film directors | 1890 births | 1969 deaths

Karl Freund | Karl Freund