Willy Schmidt-Gentner (6 April 1894 – 12 February 1964) was a prominent German composer known for his extensive work in film music. Born in Neustadt am Rennsteig, Thuringia, Germany, he showed musical talent early, studying violin and composition under Max Reger. After World War I, he initially worked as a civil servant checking cinema taxes, which led to a position as a band leader at film theatres. This experience sparked his interest in film music, and he composed his first score for a silent film in 1922.

Schmidt-Gentner's career flourished with the advent of sound films in the 1930s, making him one of the most sought-after composers in Germany. He moved to Vienna in 1933, where he directed two films, "Die Pompadour" (1935) and "Prater" (1936), and composed scores for many films, including "Maskerade" and "Hohe Schule" (both 1934). During the Nazi regime, he became the "house composer" for Wien-Film, creating music for both romantic comedies and propaganda films like "Heimkehr" (1941).

After World War II, Schmidt-Gentner continued his successful career in Vienna, composing music for about 200 films until his retirement in 1955. He passed away in Vienna on 12 February 1964. His legacy includes scores for classics such as "Alraune" (1928) and "Hokuspokus" (1930), and he remains a significant figure in the history of German and Austrian cinema.