Harold D. Schuster was a renowned film editor, best known for his work on the classic 1927 film "Sunrise." However, his journey in the film industry began as an actor, a career path he abandoned relatively quickly.
As he transitioned to the production side of the business, Schuster worked his way up the ranks, eventually becoming an editor and then a director. While his directorial output may have been largely routine, there were some notable exceptions.
One of his most acclaimed films is the 1943 drama "My Friend Flicka," a beautiful and serene tale of a boy and his majestic horse. The film was a major commercial success during its release.
Despite being typecast as an "outdoors" director, Schuster was capable of producing gritty and suspenseful thrillers. "Loophole" (1954) is a standout example, a tense and engaging film about a bank teller who is framed for embezzlement.
Schuster's western "Dragoon Wells Massacre" (1957) is another notable effort, a sharp and well-paced film about two groups of travelers who must band together to survive against rampaging Indians. The film features good writing, a rousing score, and Schuster's tight direction, making it a cut above the usual low-grade productions churned out by Allied Artists.
Eventually, Schuster transitioned to series television, where he completed his career.
