Born in England in 1914, he was a prolific film director known for his versatility across genres. He began his career with British films in the 1950s, achieving acclaim with "Ice Cold in Alex" and "Tiger Bay." He gained international recognition with "The Guns of Navarone" in 1961, a major box office success. He later directed "Cape Fear" and worked extensively with Charles Bronson in the 1970s and 80s. His career spanned over four decades, leaving a lasting impact on both British and American cinema.