AKA: John M Old, John Hold, John Foam, Mickey Lion, Antonio Roman
Nationality: Italian
Birthdate: 07/31/1914
Birthplace: San Remo, Italy
Death Date: 04/27/1980
Began his career by shooting two early short films for Roberto Rossellini, graduating to feature director in 1960. Bava specialized in mindless movies with lots of sweat, low-budget action and garish color. His playful understanding of the cliches he dealt with has earned cult status for many of his genre pieces. Bava's son Lamberto (aka John Old, Jr.) is also a director.
1939
First short film as director of photography, Roberto Rossellini's "Il tacchino prepotente"
1943
First feature as director of photography, "L'avventura di Annabella"
1946
Short film directing debut (also director of photography), "L'orecchio"
1960
Feature directing debut (also co-writer; director of photography), "La maschera del demonio/Black Sunday"
