William Castle, American director, producer, and screenwriter (d. 1977)
William Castle (born William Schloss Jr.; April 24, 1914 – May 31, 1977) was an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor.
Orphaned at 11, Castle dropped out of high school at 15 to work in the theater. He came to the attention of Columbia Pictures for his talent for promotion and was hired. He learned the trade of filmmaking and became a director, acquiring a reputation for the ability to churn out competent B-movies quickly and on budget. He eventually struck out on his own, producing and directing thrillers, which, despite their low budgets, he effectively promoted using gimmicks, a trademark for which he is best known. He was also the producer for Rosemary's Baby.
1914Apr, 24
William Castle
Choose Another Date
Events on 1914
- 28Jun
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie are assassinated in Sarajevo; this is the casus belli of World War I. - 26Jul
Bulgaria
Serbia and Bulgaria interrupt diplomatic relationship. - 5Aug
Traffic light
In Cleveland, Ohio, the first electric traffic light is installed. - 15Aug
Frank Lloyd Wright
A servant of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright murders seven people and sets fire to the living quarters of Wright's Wisconsin home, Taliesin. - 1Sep
Petrograd
St. Petersburg, Russia, changes its name to Petrograd.