J. Lee Thompson
John Lee Thompson (1 August 1914 – 30 August 2002) was an English film director, screenwriter and producer. Initially an exponent of kitchen sink realism, he became known as a versatile and prolific director of thrillers, action, and adventure films.
J. Lee Thompson | |
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Thompson in the 1970s | |
| Born | John Lee Thompson 1 August 1914 Bristol, England |
| Died | 30 August 2002 (aged 88) Sooke, British Columbia, Canada |
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| Years active | 1937–1989 |
His works included mainstream critical and commercial successes like Woman in a Dressing Gown (1957), Ice Cold in Alex (1958), Tiger Bay (1959), North West Frontier (also 1959), and The Guns of Navarone (1961) - the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. He also directed cult classics like Cape Fear (1962), the Planet of the Apes sequels, The White Buffalo (1977), Happy Birthday to Me (1981), King Solomon's Mines (1985) and several Charles Bronson vehicles for Cannon Films in the 1980's.
Aside from his 1962 Oscar nod, Thompson was a four-time BAFTA Award nominee (twice for Best Film and twice for Outstanding British Film). He also received accolades from the Berlin International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival, and was both a Golden Globe and Directors Guild of America Award nominee.