Sidney Lanfield's journey in the entertainment industry began with a stint as a jazz musician and vaudeville entertainer, a unique foundation for his future success. In 1926, he was hired by Fox Film Corp. as a gag writer and made the move to Hollywood, marking the beginning of his journey as a filmmaker. Lanfield's directorial debut in 1930 was a significant milestone, and he went on to specialize in romantic comedies, working with Bob Hope on many projects throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
However, one of Lanfield's most notable films was also one of his most unexpected: The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939),a dark and atmospheric thriller that introduced Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes. This departure from his typical romantic comedies showcased Lanfield's versatility as a director and his ability to adapt to different genres.
Lanfield continued to work in the film industry, dividing his time between 20th Century-Fox and Paramount. Although none of his films were particularly memorable, they were well-crafted and solid entertainment. In the early 1950s, Lanfield was one of the first major directors to transition to series television, and he ended his career directing episodes of popular shows such as McHale's Navy (1962) and The Addams Family (1964).
