Joseph H. Lewis
Biography
Joseph H. Lewis was an American film director born on April 6, 1907, in New York City, New York, USA. He is known for his work in film noir from the late 1940s and the 1950s, particularly his feature Gun Crazy, a dark romance about gun-obsession. Lewis also directed inexpensive westerns in the early 1940s, earning the nickname "Wagon-Wheel Joe" from studio editors due to his use of wagon-wheels for visual composition. He is also associated with directing horror films, including The Invisible Ghost, which starred Béla Lugosi and Lionel Atwill. Lewis died on August 30, 2000, at the age of 93.
Career overview
Joseph H. Lewis began his directing career in the 1930s, working on inexpensive westerns. During this period, he earned the nickname "Wagon-Wheel Joe" from studio editors due to his use of wagon-wheels in constructing visual compositions. Lewis's early work laid the groundwork for his future success in film noir.
In the late 1940s and 1950s, Lewis transitioned to directing film noir, a genre in which he gained recognition. His most acclaimed feature, Gun Crazy, is a notable example of his work in this genre. The film, released in 1949, is a dark romance that explores gun-obsession and features location photography.
Lewis's filmography also includes collaborations with notable actors of the time, such as Béla Lugosi and Lionel Atwill, in early 1940s horror films. His work in film noir and other genres has contributed to his reputation as a skilled and versatile director.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Joseph H. Lewis.
Career timeline
Full Filmography
59 titles- Lugosi: Hollywood's Dracula (1997) as Self
- Bat Men of Africa (1966) Supervising Editor
- The Big Valley (1965) Director
- Branded (1965) Director
- Daniel Boone (1964) Director
- The Investigators (1961) Director
- The Detectives (1959) Director
- The Rifleman (1958) Director
- Terror in a Texas Town (1958) Director
- The Halliday Brand (1957) Director
- 7th Cavalry (1956) Director
- Gunsmoke (1955) Director
- The Big Combo (1955) Director
- A Lawless Street (1955) Director
- Man on a Bus (1955) Director
- Cry of the Hunted (1953) Director
- Retreat, Hell! (1952) Director
- Desperate Search (1952) Director
- Gun Crazy (1950) Director
- A Lady Without Passport (1950) Director
- The Undercover Man (1949) Director
- The Return of October (1948) Director
- The Swordsman (1948) Director
- So Dark the Night (1946) Director
- My Name Is Julia Ross (1945) Director
- The Falcon in San Francisco (1945) Director
- Minstrel Man (1944) Director
- The Mad Doctor of Market Street (1942) Director
- Bombs Over Burma (1942) Director
- Bombs Over Burma (1942) Screenplay
- The Silver Bullet (1942) Director
- Secrets of a Co-Ed (1942) Director
- Boss of Hangtown Mesa (1942) Director
- Arizona Cyclone (1941) Director
- Invisible Ghost (1941) Director
- Criminals Within (1941) Director
- The Return of Wild Bill (1940) Director
- The Man from Tumbleweeds (1940) Director
- That Gang of Mine (1940) Director
- Pride of the Bowery (1940) Director
- Texas Stagecoach (1940) Director
- Boys of the City (1940) Director
- Blazing Six Shooters (1940) Director
- Two-Fisted Rangers (1939) Director
- The Spy Ring (1938) Director
- The Singing Outlaw (1938) Director
- Border Wolves (1938) Director
- The Last Stand (1938) Director
- Courage of the West (1937) Director
- Navy Spy (1937) Director
- The Gold Racket (1937) Director
- Sharad of Atlantis (1936) Supervising Editor
- King of the Pecos (1936) Supervising Film Editor
- The Leathernecks Have Landed (1936) Supervising Film Editor
- Darkest Africa (1936) Editor
- Waterfront Lady (1935) Supervising Film Editor
- Hitch Hike Lady (1935) Editor
- The Adventures of Rex and Rinty (1935) Editor
- Streamline Express (1935) Editor
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Joseph H. Lewis best known for?
Joseph H. Lewis is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Branded (1965), Flatfoot in Hong Kong (1975), The Detectives (1959).
When and where was Joseph H. Lewis born?
Joseph H. Lewis was born on April 6, 1907 in New York City, New York, USA. They passed away on August 30, 2000.
How many credits does Joseph H. Lewis have?
Joseph H. Lewis has accumulated over 59 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1935 to 1997.
What is Joseph H. Lewis's background in cinema and television?
Joseph H. Lewis was an American film director born on April 6, 1907, in New York City, New York, USA. He is known for his work in film noir from the late 1940s and the 1950s, particularly his feature Gun Crazy, a dark romance about gun-obsession. Lewis also directed inexpensive westerns in the early 1940s, earning the ...