Motion Picture Director, Producer, Screenwriter. Born John Lee Thompson, he began his career for British International Pictures with his only film appearance in Carol Reed's film "Midshipman Easy" (1935) and worked as a dialogue coach in Alfred Hitchcock's film "Jamaica Inn" (1939). During World War II (WWII), he worked as an operator for the Royal Air Force. Next in 1950, he directed his first movie "Murder Without Crime" and also in the 1950s and 1960s, he directed several British films. He is best remembered for "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) with Gregory Peck. This film was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Thompson as Best Director. The success of that film won him entry into Hollywood, where he directed "Cape Fear" (1962) with Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum and Polly Bergen. Next he maintained a steady career in Hollywood during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. His screen credits include different genres: western, espionage, and science fiction: "Mackenna's Gold" (1969), "The Chairman" (1969), "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" (1972), "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973), "St. Ives" (1976) with Charles Bronson, "The White Buffalo" (1977) and "Happy Birthday to Me" (1981). In 1989, he directed his last movie "Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects" and retired from directing.
Motion Picture Director, Producer, Screenwriter. Born John Lee Thompson, he began his career for British International Pictures with his only film appearance in Carol Reed's film "Midshipman Easy" (1935) and worked as a dialogue coach in Alfred Hitchcock's film "Jamaica Inn" (1939). During World War II (WWII), he worked as an operator for the Royal Air Force. Next in 1950, he directed his first movie "Murder Without Crime" and also in the 1950s and 1960s, he directed several British films. He is best remembered for "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) with Gregory Peck. This film was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Thompson as Best Director. The success of that film won him entry into Hollywood, where he directed "Cape Fear" (1962) with Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum and Polly Bergen. Next he maintained a steady career in Hollywood during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. His screen credits include different genres: western, espionage, and science fiction: "Mackenna's Gold" (1969), "The Chairman" (1969), "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" (1972), "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973), "St. Ives" (1976) with Charles Bronson, "The White Buffalo" (1977) and "Happy Birthday to Me" (1981). In 1989, he directed his last movie "Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects" and retired from directing.
Bio by: Anonymous
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