William Witney

Directing

William Witney

Born May 15, 1915 · Lawton, Oklahoma, USA

Died March 17, 2002 · aged 86

​From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. William Nuelsen Witney (15 May 1915 – 17 March 2002) was an American film and television director. He is best remembered for the movie serials he co-directed with John English for Republic Pictures such as Daredevils of the Red Circle, Zorro's Fighting Legion and Drums of Fu Manchu. He directed many Westerns during his career, and is credited with devising…

Known For

Spy SmasherSpy Smasher · 1942
Spy Smasher
6.11942
MovieActionWar
Prior to the United States' involvement in World War II, the masked vigilante Spy Smasher fights Nazi agents operating within the US, led by the treacherous sabotage leader codenamed The Mask.
MarnieMarnie · 1964
Marnie
7.11964
MovieThrillerMystery
Marnie is a beautiful but emotionally withdrawn thief, stealing from employers before disappearing under new identities. When her new boss, Mark Rutland, discovers her secret, his fascination turns to obsession, and he blackmails her into marriage, convinced he can cure her. But as he probes deeper into Marnie’s fractured mind, long-buried fears and compulsions begin to surface.
Juvenile JungleJuvenile Jungle · 1958
Juvenile Jungle
7.41958
Movie
Planned kidnapping goes awry when gang leader falls for the victim.
Border SaddlematesBorder Saddlemates · 1952
Border Saddlemates
6.51952
MovieWestern
Rex Allen ('Rex Allen'), a U. S. government veterinarian, rides into the picturesque town of Pine Rock, near the Canadian border, to take the place of the regular vet who is on vacation. Used to doctoring animals in Texas, Allen finds out that herein the heart of the fox-farming industry, he is to doctor the most finicky and high-priced of fur on four feet. On the farm of Mel Richards (Tom London), Allen learns the habits of the valuable creatures from Richard's niece, Jane (Mary Ellen Kay, and her ten-year-old brother Danny (Jimmy Moss'), and on his own learns that the trusted owner of the trading post, Steve Baxter (Roy Barcroft) heads a gang that is smuggling counterfeit money across the American/Canadian border in the fox cages.
Dick TracyDick Tracy · 1937
Dick Tracy
5.21937
MovieCrimeAction
Dick Tracy's foe for this serial is the crime boss and Masked Mystery Villain The Spider/The Lame One and his Spider Ring. In the process of various crimes, including using his Flying wing and sound weapon to destroy the Bay Bridge in San Francisco and stealing an experimental "Speed Plane", the Spider captures Dick Tracy's brother, Gordon. The Spider's minion, Dr. Moloch, performs a brain operation on Gordon Tracy to turn him evil, making him secretly part of the Spider Ring and so turning brother against brother.
Dick Tracy's G-MenDick Tracy's G-Men · 1939
Dick Tracy's G-Men
5.31939
MovieActionCrime
A mad doctor named Zanoff uses a drug to bring himself back from the dead after his execution in prison. Dick Tracy sets out to capture Zanoff before he can put his criminal gang back together again.
Drums of Fu ManchuDrums of Fu Manchu · 1940
Drums of Fu Manchu
6.31940
MovieFantasyHorror
The nefarious Dr. Fu Manchu searches for the keys to the tomb of Genghis Khan, in order to fulfill a prophecy that will enable him to conquer the world. His nemesi, Dr. Nayland Smith and his associates fight to keep the evil doctor from getting his hands on the keys. In 1943 the serial was edited together into a feature movie also called Drums of Fu Manchu.
Bonanza: Ride the WindBonanza: Ride the Wind · 1966
Bonanza: Ride the Wind
7.41966
MovieWesternAdventure
The Pony Express opens up an office in Virginia City. Despite being an investor, Ben objects to Joe signing up as a rider. Adding to his concerns, the Paiute Indians don't want the Pony Express riding across their land, and the manager's assistant, Curtis Wade, is itching to make a name for himself as an Indian fighter. The international theatrical release of the 1966 William Witney feature cowboy western movie made from two 1966 episodes of the television series "Bonanza", entitled "Ride the Wind"

Movies

Spy SmasherSpy Smasher · 1942
Spy Smasher
6.11942
MovieActionWar
Prior to the United States' involvement in World War II, the masked vigilante Spy Smasher fights Nazi agents operating within the US, led by the treacherous sabotage leader codenamed The Mask.
MarnieMarnie · 1964
Marnie
7.11964
MovieThrillerMystery
Marnie is a beautiful but emotionally withdrawn thief, stealing from employers before disappearing under new identities. When her new boss, Mark Rutland, discovers her secret, his fascination turns to obsession, and he blackmails her into marriage, convinced he can cure her. But as he probes deeper into Marnie’s fractured mind, long-buried fears and compulsions begin to surface.
Juvenile JungleJuvenile Jungle · 1958
Juvenile Jungle
7.41958
Movie
Planned kidnapping goes awry when gang leader falls for the victim.
Border SaddlematesBorder Saddlemates · 1952
Border Saddlemates
6.51952
MovieWestern
Rex Allen ('Rex Allen'), a U. S. government veterinarian, rides into the picturesque town of Pine Rock, near the Canadian border, to take the place of the regular vet who is on vacation. Used to doctoring animals in Texas, Allen finds out that herein the heart of the fox-farming industry, he is to doctor the most finicky and high-priced of fur on four feet. On the farm of Mel Richards (Tom London), Allen learns the habits of the valuable creatures from Richard's niece, Jane (Mary Ellen Kay, and her ten-year-old brother Danny (Jimmy Moss'), and on his own learns that the trusted owner of the trading post, Steve Baxter (Roy Barcroft) heads a gang that is smuggling counterfeit money across the American/Canadian border in the fox cages.
Dick TracyDick Tracy · 1937
Dick Tracy
5.21937
MovieCrimeAction
Dick Tracy's foe for this serial is the crime boss and Masked Mystery Villain The Spider/The Lame One and his Spider Ring. In the process of various crimes, including using his Flying wing and sound weapon to destroy the Bay Bridge in San Francisco and stealing an experimental "Speed Plane", the Spider captures Dick Tracy's brother, Gordon. The Spider's minion, Dr. Moloch, performs a brain operation on Gordon Tracy to turn him evil, making him secretly part of the Spider Ring and so turning brother against brother.
Dick Tracy's G-MenDick Tracy's G-Men · 1939
Dick Tracy's G-Men
5.31939
MovieActionCrime
A mad doctor named Zanoff uses a drug to bring himself back from the dead after his execution in prison. Dick Tracy sets out to capture Zanoff before he can put his criminal gang back together again.
Drums of Fu ManchuDrums of Fu Manchu · 1940
Drums of Fu Manchu
6.31940
MovieFantasyHorror
The nefarious Dr. Fu Manchu searches for the keys to the tomb of Genghis Khan, in order to fulfill a prophecy that will enable him to conquer the world. His nemesi, Dr. Nayland Smith and his associates fight to keep the evil doctor from getting his hands on the keys. In 1943 the serial was edited together into a feature movie also called Drums of Fu Manchu.
Bonanza: Ride the WindBonanza: Ride the Wind · 1966
Bonanza: Ride the Wind
7.41966
MovieWesternAdventure
The Pony Express opens up an office in Virginia City. Despite being an investor, Ben objects to Joe signing up as a rider. Adding to his concerns, the Paiute Indians don't want the Pony Express riding across their land, and the manager's assistant, Curtis Wade, is itching to make a name for himself as an Indian fighter. The international theatrical release of the 1966 William Witney feature cowboy western movie made from two 1966 episodes of the television series "Bonanza", entitled "Ride the Wind"
The Crimson GhostThe Crimson Ghost · 1946
The Crimson Ghost
5.31946
MovieAdventureAction
A criminal mastermind known as The Crimson Ghost is out to steal a device called the Cyclotrode, which can short-circuit all electrical current on the planet.
Old Overland TrailOld Overland Trail · 1953
Old Overland Trail
7.01953
MovieActionWestern
Anchor is building a railroad and to get cheap labor he gets Black Hawk's Indians to attack and burn the incoming wagon train. This forces the settlers to work for Anchor and he pays them in devalued scrip. When Rex figures out Anchor's swindle, Anchor gets Black Hawk to capture him. When Anchor turns on Black Hawk and shoots him, Black Hawk gets a chance to repay a debt to Rex.
Master of the WorldMaster of the World · 1961
Master of the World
6.01961
MovieScience FictionAdventure
A mad genius tries to bomb the world into peace.
Trail of Robin HoodTrail of Robin Hood · 1950
Trail of Robin Hood
6.31950
MovieWestern
Retired actor Jack Holt is raising Christmas trees for sale at a cost which permits every family to have one. A commercial tree company tries to drive Holt out of business. Roy saves the day, of course.
Drums of Fu ManchuDrums of Fu Manchu · 1943
Drums of Fu Manchu
5.21943
MovieActionHorror
Feature version of the 1940 Republic serial, about Fu Manchu's attempt to conquer Asia.
Zorro Rides AgainZorro Rides Again · 1937
Zorro Rides Again
7.51937
MovieActionAdventure
The California-Yucatan Railroad, being built for the good of Mexico, is under siege by a gang of terrorists hoping to force its sale; no one can prove their connection to profiteer Marsden. Manuel Vega, aged co-owner, calls in the aid of his nephew James, great-grandson of the original Zorro. Alas, James seems more adept at golf than derring-do; but after he arrives, Zorro rides again! Can one black-clad man on horseback defeat a gang supplied with airplanes and machine guns?
Down Laredo WayDown Laredo Way · 1953
Down Laredo Way
7.01953
MovieWesternAction
Rex Allen against diamond smugglers down Laredo way
The OutcastThe Outcast · 1954
The Outcast
6.71954
MovieWestern
Thanks to the chicanery of his crooked uncle Major Cosgrave, Jet has been cheated out of his father's property and branded a pariah. He spends the rest of the film trying to regain his birthright and clear his name. The two women in Jet's life are Judy Polsen, who chases him for so long that he finally catches her, and Alice Austin, Major Cosgrave's fianee.
Down Dakota WayDown Dakota Way · 1949
Down Dakota Way
8.31949
MovieWestern
In Roy Rogers' Down Dakota Way, the deadly hoof-and-mouth disease has struck the herd owned by evil rancher H. T. McKenzie (Roy Barcroft). To avoid an expensive quarantine on his stock, McKenzie plans to murder the local veterinarian (Emmet Vogan) before the latter can report his findings to the government. Rogers manages to straighten out the situation by appealing to the sensibilities of the aunt (Elizabeth Risdon) of McKenzie's hotheaded hired assassin (Byron Barr). The film also bears several musical numbers from Roy, Dale Evans, and Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage.
HeldoradoHeldorado · 1946
Heldorado
6.21946
MovieWestern
Roy Rogers, a Nevada State Ranger Captain in charge of the Rangers Reclamation Service, makes a trip to Las Vegas for the annual Heldorado Frontier Days Festival, as he wants to help his old friend Gabby Whittaker who originated the idea (at least, in this film).In Las Vegas, Roy meets heiress Carol Randall, who has been selected as the Queen of the Heldorado. Roy is informed that the F.B.I. wants an immediate investigation of the counterfeit thousand dollar bills that are being passed over the gambling tables at the casino.
King of the MountiesKing of the Mounties · 1942
King of the Mounties
8.01942
MovieWesternAdventure
King of the Candian riding police is up against Japs and Nazis who are about to invade Canada. They just want to clear the way with a new futuristic plane called "The Falcon" first, but that's not gonna happen if Kig has his way.
Pals of the Golden WestPals of the Golden West · 1951
Pals of the Golden West
7.51951
MovieWestern
US Border Patrolman Roy Rogers is assigned to prevent a herd of diseased cattle from crossing over from Mexico.
Iron Mountain TrailIron Mountain Trail · 1953
Iron Mountain Trail
6.51953
MovieWestern
Rex Allen and Slim Pickens are sent from Washington, D.C. to California in 1850 to speed up deliveries of mail to the goldfields, and find a destructive feud raging between two stage-line owners, Sam Sawyer and John Brockway. In their attempts to have their stages and drivers first on the dock to get the mail brought East by ship, the two have damaged each other's equipment and schedules to the point that no consignment of mail reaches the goldfields intact or on time.
Eyes of TexasEyes of Texas · 1948
Eyes of Texas
7.01948
MovieActionWestern
A ranch owner turns his place into a home for boys who have lost their fathers in World War II. His evil female lawyer covets the ranch and uses a gang of local toughs, a pack of killer dogs, and a phoney rancher's beneficiary to get it. U.S. Marshal Rogers opens an investigation when the rancher is killed.
Mr. Hobbs Takes a VacationMr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation · 1962
Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation
6.51962
MovieFamilyComedy
Banker Roger Hobbs wants to spend his vacation alone with his wife, Peggy, but she insists on a family vacation at a California beach house that turns out to be ugly and broken down. Daughter Katey, embarrassed by her braces, refuses to go to the beach, as does TV-addicted son Danny. When the family is joined by Hobbs' two unhappily married daughters and their husbands, he must help everyone with their problems to get some peace.
The Girls on the BeachThe Girls on the Beach · 1965
The Girls on the Beach
4.41965
MovieComedyMusic
The girls of Alpha Beta need to raise $10,000 in two weeks to save the sorority house. Among their schemes to raise the funds are a beauty contest, a newspaper puzzle, and a baking contest. But when three guys hit the beach with love on their minds, bragging that they know the Beatles, the girls plan a concert with the Fab Four as the main attraction.

TV Shows

The Alfred Hitchcock HourThe Alfred Hitchcock Hour · 1962
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
7.81962
SeriesCrimeMystery
A continuation of the anthology series “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”, hosted by the master of suspense and featuring thrillers and mysteries.
BonanzaBonanza · 1959
Bonanza
7.51959
SeriesWestern
The High-Sierra adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their ranch while helping the surrounding community.
The VirginianThe Virginian · 1962
The Virginian
6.51962
SeriesWesternDrama
The Shiloh Ranch in Wyoming Territory of the 1890s is owned in sequence by Judge Henry Garth, the Grainger brothers, and Colonel Alan MacKenzie. It is the setting for a variety of stories, many more based on character and relationships than the usual western.
Daniel BooneDaniel Boone · 1964
Daniel Boone
7.01964
SeriesWestern
Daniel Boone is an American action-adventure television series starring Fess Parker as Daniel Boone that aired from September 24, 1964 to September 10, 1970 on NBC for 165 episodes, and was made by 20th Century Fox Television. Ed Ames co-starred as Mingo, Boone's Cherokee friend, for the first four seasons of the series. Albert Salmi portrayed Boone's companion Yadkin in season one only. Dallas McKennon portrayed innkeeper Cincinnatus. Country Western singer-actor Jimmy Dean was a featured actor as Josh Clements during the 1968–1970 seasons. Actor and former NFL football player Rosey Grier made regular appearances as Gabe Cooper in the 1969 to 1970 season. The show was broadcast "in living color" beginning in fall 1965, the second season, and was shot entirely in California and Kanab, Utah.
The Wild Wild WestThe Wild Wild West · 1965
The Wild Wild West
7.61965
SeriesComedy
The Wild Wild West is an American television series. Developed at a time when the television western was losing ground to the spy genre, this show was conceived by its creator, Michael Garrison, as "James Bond on horseback." Set during the administration of President Ulysses Grant, the series followed Secret Service agents James West and Artemus Gordon as they solved crimes, protected the President, and foiled the plans of megalomaniacal villains to take over all or part of the United States. The show also featured a number of fantasy elements, such as the technologically advanced devices used by the agents and their adversaries. The combination of the Victorian era time-frame and the use of Verne-esque style technology have inspired some to give the show credit for the origins of the steam punk subculture.
ZorroZorro · 1957
Zorro
7.61957
SeriesWestern
Diego de la Vega, the son of a wealthy landowner, returns from his studies in Spain and discovers that Los Angeles is under the command of Capitan Monastario, a cruel man who relishes in the misuse of his power for personal gain. Knowing that he cannot hope to single-handedly defeat Monastario and his troops, Diego resorts to subterfuge. He adopts the secret identity of Zorro, a sinister figure dressed in black, and rides to fight Monastario's injustice.
The High ChaparralThe High Chaparral · 1967
The High Chaparral
6.81967
SeriesWesternDrama
The High Chaparral is an American Western-themed television series starring Leif Erickson and Cameron Mitchell which aired on NBC from 1967 to 1971. The series, made by Xanadu Productions in association with NBC Productions, was created by David Dortort, who had previously created the hit Bonanza for the network. The theme song was also written and conducted by Bonanza scorer David Rose, who also scored the two-hour pilot.
LaramieLaramie · 1959
Laramie
6.71959
SeriesWesternDrama
Laramie is an American Western television series that aired on NBC from 1959 to 1963. A Revue Studios production, the program originally starred John Smith as Slim Sherman, Robert Fuller as Jess Harper, Hoagy Carmichael as Jonesy and Robert L. Crawford, Jr., as Andy Sherman.
TarzanTarzan · 1966
Tarzan
6.91966
SeriesDrama
Tarzan is a series that aired on NBC from 1966 – 1968. The series portrayed Tarzan as a well-educated character, one who, tired of civilization, had returned to the jungle where he had been raised. The show retained many of the trappings of the classic movie series, including Cheeta, while excluding other elements, such as Jane, as part of the "new look" for the fabled apeman that producer Sy Weintraub had introduced in previous motion pictures starring Gordon Scott, Jock Mahoney, and Mike Henry. CBS aired repeat episodes the program during the summer of 1969.
BrandedBranded · 1965
Branded
6.81965
SeriesWestern
Branded is an American Western series which aired on NBC from 1965 through 1966, sponsored by Procter & Gamble in its Sunday night 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time period, and starred Chuck Connors as Jason McCord, a United States Army Cavalry captain who had been drummed out of the service following an unjust accusation of cowardice.
The Tall ManThe Tall Man · 1960
The Tall Man
6.91960
SeriesWestern
The Tall Man is a half-hour American western television series about Sheriff Pat Garrett and the gunfighter Billy the Kid that aired seventy-five episodes on NBC from 1960 to 1962, filmed by Revue Productions.
LaredoLaredo · 1965
Laredo
6.41965
SeriesWestern
Laredo is an American Western television series that aired on NBC from September 16, 1965, to April 7, 1967. Laredo stars Neville Brand, William Smith, Peter Brown, and Philip Carey as Texas Rangers. It is set on the Mexican border about Laredo, Texas. The program was produced by Universal Television. The pilot episode of Laredo aired on NBC's The Virginian under the title, "We've Lost a Train". It was released theatrically in 1969 under the title Backtrack. Three episodes from the first season of the series were edited into the 1968 feature film Three Guns for Texas.
Mickey Spillane's Mike HammerMickey Spillane's Mike Hammer · 1958
Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer
6.81958
SeriesMysteryDrama
Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer is the title used for two syndicated television series that followed the adventures of fictional private detective Mike Hammer. The gritty, crime fighting detective—created by American crime author Mickey Spillane—has also inspired several feature films and made-for-TV movies.
RiverboatRiverboat · 1959
Riverboat
6.51959
SeriesWestern
Riverboat is a 44-episode western television series starring Darren McGavin and Burt Reynolds broadcast on the NBC television network from September 13, 1959 until January 2, 1961. It was produced by Revue Studios.
Western von gesternWestern von gestern · 1978
Western von gestern
7.71978
SeriesWestern
Western von gestern is a German television series.
The Wide CountryThe Wide Country · 1962
The Wide Country
6.21962
SeriesWestern
Mitch Guthrie is a champion bronco rider in the rodeo who tries to keep his kid brother, Andy, from pursuing the same life.
Coronado 9Coronado 9 · 1960
Coronado 9
6.71960
SeriesCrimeDrama
Dan Adams, former Naval Intelligence officer, works in San Diego as a private detective.
HondoHondo · 1967
Hondo
6.91967
SeriesWestern
Hondo is a 17-episode Western television series starring Ralph Taeger that aired in the United States on ABC during the 1967 fall season. The series was produced by Batjac Productions, Inc., Fenady Associates, Inc., and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television.
Frontier DoctorFrontier Doctor · 1958
Frontier Doctor
6.31958
SeriesWestern
Frontier Doctor is an American Western television series starring Rex Allen that aired in syndication from September 26, 1958, until June 20, 1959.
Frontier CircusFrontier Circus · 1961
Frontier Circus
5.31961
SeriesWestern
Frontier Circus is an American Western television series about a traveling circus roaming the American West in the 1880s. Filmed by Revue Productions, the program aired on the CBS from October 5, 1961, until September 6, 1962.
Overland TrailOverland Trail · 1960
Overland Trail
6.31960
SeriesWestern
Overland Trail was a short lived television western about the adventures of an earthy stage coach line superintendent and his young partner as they strive to keep the stage routes open and safe. William Bendix played Frederick Thomas "Fred" Kelly, the superintendent of the fictitious Overland Stage Company. Doug McClure appeared as Frank "Flip" Flippen, Kelly's associate in the business.
Stories of the CenturyStories of the Century · 1954
Stories of the Century
7.21954
SeriesWestern
Stories of the Century is a 39-episode Western television series starring Jim Davis that ran in syndication through Republic Pictures between January 23, 1954, and March 11, 1955.
KodiakKodiak · 1974
Kodiak
6.51974
SeriesDrama
Kodiak is a short lived, half-hour adventure program that aired Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m Eastern time on ABC during the 1974-1975 television season. The show revolved around the main character of Cal "Kodiak" McKay, an Alaska State Trooper. Kodiak, always accompanied by his Eskimo sidekick Abraham Lincoln Imhook, used his four-wheel drive truck to track down desperate killers through 50,000 miles of Alaska backcountry. The show was broadcast against NBC's mega-hit Sanford and Son. Kodiak couldn't lure viewers in to watch and was cancelled after the first episode, although a total of four episodes were aired. The show was filmed in Bend, Oregon Using the Old Skyliners Ski Lodge as the primary Meeting Place.
Dr. Fu ManchuDr. Fu Manchu · 1956
Dr. Fu Manchu
7.31956
SeriesMystery
The Adventures of Dr. Fu Manchu is a syndicated American television series that aired in 1956. The show was produced by Hollywood Television Service, a subsidiary of Republic Pictures.