Val Lewton and Jacques Tourneur

Val Lewton - Born Vladimir Ivan Leventon, in 1904. Died 1951.

Role: Producer and Screenwriter.
Born in Ukraine. Moved to New York in 1909.
Famous for brooding horror films with supernatural undertones.
Working at RKO picture since 1942.
Helped pioneer B-movies, making them more well-known and influencing, broadcasting them across greater masses of people through the quality of his work.
Started as a Journalist, though lost his job, soon becoming a filmwriter in a turn of events.
Has been given the name 'Head of Horror' for his many works including 'Bedlam' and 'Cat people', the latter being his first film.
He was also a published author, writing a book entitle 'No bed of her own', which retained the horrific imagery of his filmworks.
Other noticeable films are 'Ghostship' and 'Seventh Victim'.



Jacques Tourneur - November 12, 1904, Died December 19th, 1977.

Born in Paris, and the son of a director, Maurice Tourneur.
Directed three of Val Lewton's productions: 'Cat people', 'I walked with a Zombie' and 'Leopard man'.
He created 'Night of the Demon' in 1957, often thought of as one of the greatest horror films of all time, an adaptation of M. R. James' 'Casting the Runes', written in 1911.
Recognised globally for his contribution acts in theatre and cinema.
Retired in the late 1960's, following in his fathers footsteps for his entire life.