If, twenty years ago, you were to look up Alan Smithee in any film encyclopaedia, you'd be astonished by the sheer amount, questionable quality and remarkable diversity of this man's directorial work. He's directed films, television, music videos, and been referenced in dozens of other works. The only trouble is, he's not real. Read on...
Meta-tastic! A film about Alan Smithee directed by an Alan Smithee. Only problem is, it's terrible.
I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to be associated with this. It looks brilliant.
I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to be associated with this. It looks brilliant.
Smithee's first directorial credit for 'Death of a Gunfighter' (1969). Note the 'Allen' spelling. It was really directed by Don Siegel & Robert Totten.
Several of the more familiar 'Alan' Smithee’s many credits, including an appearance by Smithee Jr., and R.O.C. Sandstorm, a similar alias used at several times by both actor Bruce Campbell and director Sam Raimi.
Main Image from 'Hellrasier: Bloodline (1996) © Dimension Films & Miramax.
'Burn Hollywood Burn' poster © Buena Vista Pictures
'The Birds II: Lands End' poster © Universal Studios
Still from 'Death of a Gunfighter' (1969) © Universal Pictures
In 1927, British filmmaking was still centred around smaller studios working with contracted technicians and in competition with the more dominant theatre world.
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