Don Sharp

Don Sharp

Deceased · Born: Apr 19, 1921 · Died: Dec 14, 2011

Personal Details

BornApr 19, 1921 Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Spouse
  • Mary Steele

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 14, 2011 )
  • Gwenda Wilson

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 1, 2025 )

Biography

Don Sharp, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, was born on the picturesque island of Tasmania, situated off the coast of Australia. His journey in show-business commenced as an actor, a pursuit he would continue to nurture throughout his early life.

Following World War II, Sharp ventured to England, where he further developed his acting career. It was during this period that he began to cultivate his skills as a director, a profession that would ultimately become his calling.

By the mid-1950s, Sharp had established himself as a director, helming a string of low- and medium-budget musicals, including the notable Tommy Steele vehicle, The Dream Maker, which premiered in 1963. This marked a significant milestone in his career, as it showcased his versatility and ability to adapt to various genres.

In the mid-1960s, Sharp joined forces with Hammer Films, a prominent horror film production company. During his tenure with Hammer, he directed several well-received thrillers, including his debut for the company, The Kiss of the Vampire, which was released in 1963.

In addition to his work with Hammer, Sharp also contributed to a few films as a second-unit director, most notably the acclaimed Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 Minutes, which premiered in 1965. Following this stint, Sharp returned to directing and went on to produce a succession of thrillers, horror films, and comedies.

As his career began to wind down, Sharp transitioned to television, where he worked on several mini-series. Throughout his illustrious career, Sharp left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, leaving behind a legacy that would be cherished for generations to come.

Career

1953
The Cruel Sea
The Cruel Sea as Lieutenant-Commander
1952
Outpost in Malaya
Outpost in Malaya as Lt. Summers
1950
Ha'penny Breeze
Ha'penny Breeze as Johnny Craig
1955
Navy Heroes
Navy Heroes as Screenplay
1954
Conflict of Wings
Conflict of Wings as Screenplay
1950
1988
1984
1980
1979
Bear Island
Bear Island as Director, Screenplay
1978
1975
Hennessy
Hennessy as Director
1974
Callan
Callan as Director
1973
Dark Places
Dark Places as Director
1970
Taste of Excitement
Taste of Excitement as Director, Screenplay
Puppet on a Chain
Puppet on a Chain as Director, Writer
The Brides of Fu Manchu
The Brides of Fu Manchu as Director, Writer
1965
1964
Witchcraft
Witchcraft as Director
1960
1958
The Inbetween Age
The Inbetween Age as Director, Screenplay