J. Lee Thompson
Birth Name:
John Lee Thompson
Birth Place:
Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom
Profession
Director, Writer, Producer, Production manager
Fast Facts
- Got his start in film in 1934 when he signed on as a screenwriter with British International Pictures
- Would write crime plays in his spare time while studying at Dover College
- Known for collaborating with actors, casting many of them multiple times, including Gregory Peck, David Niven, Charles Bronson, Jacqueline Bisset, etc
- Widely regarded for his strict preparedness when shooting films, culminating in their quick completion
- During World War II, he worked as a wireless operator for the Royal Air Force
- Was given the nickname of "Mighty Mouse" by actor Gregory Peck during the filming of "The Guns of Navarone․"
- Was orignally slated to direct the 1968 film "Planet of the Apes," but was forced to back out of the project due to scheduling conflicts
Awards
- 1956Palme d'OrNominated
- 1957OCIC Award - Special MentionWinner
- 1957FIPRESCI PrizeWinner
- 1957Golden Berlin BearNominated
- 1958FIPRESCI PrizeWinner
- 1958Golden Berlin BearNominated
- 1959Golden Berlin BearNominated
- 1960BAFTA Film Award - Best British Film:Nominated
- 1960BAFTA Film Award - Best British Film:Nominated
- 1960BAFTA Film Award - Best Film from any Source:Nominated
- 1960BAFTA Film Award - Best Film from any Source:Nominated
- 1962Oscar - Best Director:Nominated
- 1962DGA Award - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures:Nominated
- 1962Golden Globe - Best Director:Nominated