Robert Lawrence, 90; Editor of ‘Spartacus,’ Other Major Films

Robert Lawrence, 90, editor of such films as “Spartacus” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” died Sept. 19 of unspecified causes at St. Mary’s Care Center in Madison, Wis.

In 1960, Lawrence headed a team of two dozen film editors to edit “Spartacus,” the ancient-world epic starring Kirk Douglas. His efforts earned him an Academy Award nomination. Three decades later, he assisted film preservationists Robert Harris and James Katz in restoring the 70-millimeter picture, including censored scenes.

A native of Montreal, Lawrence edited more than 25 major motion pictures during his 40-year Hollywood career. He worked with such directors as Stanley Kubrick, Norman Jewison, Nicholas Ray, Hal Ashby, Anthony Mann and Jules Dassin.

One of Lawrence’s earliest editing credits was the 1951 television series “Sky King.” Among his other films were “El Cid,” “The Fall of the Roman Empire,” “Is Paris Burning?” and “Up the Sandbox.”