Born on December 25, 1905, in England, Lewis Allen embarked on a remarkable journey in the entertainment industry, initially serving as an executive in charge of West End and Broadway stage productions for the renowned impresario Gilbert Miller. Not only did Allen hold this esteemed position, but he also took the reins as director for several productions, including the highly acclaimed "Victoria Regina" starring Helen Hayes and Vincent Price.
As his career progressed, Allen's talents caught the attention of Paramount studio head Buddy G. DeSylva, who lured him to Hollywood. This marked the beginning of Allen's foray into film direction, with his debut feature, "The Uninvited" (1944),based on Dorothy Macardle's bestselling novel. The film's success prompted an immediate follow-up, the suspense thriller "The Unseen" (1945),penned by the renowned Raymond Chandler.
Throughout his career, Allen's filmography primarily consisted of "tough guy" movies, often featuring notable actors such as Alan Ladd, George Raft, and Edward G. Robinson. In addition to his work in film, Allen also made a significant impact in television, directing numerous episodes of popular series, including "Perry Mason" (1957),"The Big Valley" (1965),"Mission: Impossible" (1966),and "Little House on the Prairie" (1974),among many others.
