Cy Endfield

I knew him as the director of Zulu, Sands Of The Kalahari and Hell Drivers, three of the best Stanley Baker movies. But Talking Pictures and Film On 4 together have increased my interest. Born 1914 Scranton PA. Died 1995 Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire. As interesting as Losey, as an American-born McCarthy-victim UK director (and South Africa). But MUCH MORE obscure. I didn’t even know what he looked like until just now, and I’ve never read a word of interview. (But I had a WHOLE BOOK of Conversations With Losey, until I gave it to Dermot…

I’d DEFINITELY recommend The Sound Of Fury (1950), a lynching tale that – if I’m right in taking he wanted an African-American protagonist, but was denied – would still be a talking point.

And of the UK titles, Child In The House (1956), Jet Storm (1959) and Mysterious Island (1961) are all worth sitting thru (MI has terrible SFX but a Bernard Herrmann score!).

Last but not least, I want to see The Underworld (1950), with Dan Duryea and – possibly – Universal Soldier (1972), with George Lazenby!