Famed for his macho mise-en-scene and resonant reworkings of classic action genres, Robert Aldrich became a model for many younger directors in the 1960s and 70s. Along with such figures as Roger Corman and Sam Arkoff, he was also a symbol of the free-spirit of independent filmmaking (although Aldrich had more interest in quality, and became renowned for substantive content and the interior meanings of his works.) He is best recalled for such horror classics as "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" (1962), and "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964), both starring Bette Davis. But, the director also
Through an uncle, got a job as a production clerk at RKO
1944
Worked as assistant director on films by directors such as Lewis Milestone, Abraham Polonsky, Joseph Losey and Charles Chaplin; first film as assistant director, Jean Renoir's "The Southerner"
1951
First film as producer (associate), "Ten Tall Men"; also had bit part in Joseph Losey's "The Big Night"
Wrote and directed episodes of such TV series as "The Doctor" and "China Smith"
