Sidney Salkow

Sidney Salkow (June 16, 1911 – October 18, 2000) was an American theater performer, film director, screenwriter, and television director born in New York, New York. Over the course of his career he directed more than 50 motion pictures.

Salkow pursued his education at the City College of New York, Columbia University, and Harvard Law School. Following his studies, he returned to New York City and worked as an assistant director of theater and playwright before establishing himself as a theatrical director. His stage work included a Broadway appearance in 1929 in the play Subway Express.

In 1932, Salkow transitioned into the film industry, beginning in the role of dialogue director before rising to become a prolific writer and director. His film credits include Sitting Bull, Twice-Told Tales (1963), and The Last Man on Earth (1964), with the latter two featuring actor Vincent Price.

During World War II, Salkow was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Major. He sustained a wound while filming a battle aboard an aircraft carrier. Beyond his feature film work, Salkow directed episodes of numerous television series, among them Lassie, The Cisco Kid, and The Addams Family.

At age 59, Salkow retired from directing and joined the faculty at California State University, Northridge, where he taught film courses, headed the film division of the Radio, Television and Film Department, and held the title of professor emeritus. He died on October 18, 2000, in Valley Village, California, from natural causes at the age of 89.