Ford Beebe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ford Beebe
Born	(1888-11-26)November 26, 1888 Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Died	November 26, 1978(1978-11-26) (aged 90) Lake Elsinore, California, United States
Other names	Ford I. Beebe Ford L. Beebe
Occupation	Screenwriter Film director
Years active	1916–1977

Ford Beebe (born November 26, 1888 – died November 26, 1978) was a talented screenwriter and director who worked on many movies. He started in the film world around 1916. Over 60 years, he helped create almost 200 films!

He was especially known for making "B-movies," which are lower-budget films, often Westerns. He also directed exciting action series like "Buck Rogers" and "Flash Gordon" for Universal Pictures.

The Life of a Film Director

Ford Beebe was born on November 26, 1888, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Before he moved to Hollywood, he was a freelance writer. He also had experience working in advertising.

Starting in Hollywood

In 1916, Ford Beebe arrived in Hollywood. He began working as a writer for Western films. His very first job was as a writer for the 1916 movie A Youth of Fortune.

Beebe got his first chance to direct when Leo D. Maloney, who was directing a film called The Test, became sick. Beebe stepped in to finish the movie. He soon became known for directing films and serials that didn't cost a lot of money to make. Someone once said he was "an expert at making something out of nothing." This meant he was very good at creating exciting movies even with a small budget.

Directing Action Serials

The first action serial Ford Beebe directed was The Shadow of the Eagle in 1932. Serials were like TV shows today, but they were shown in movie theaters in parts. Each week, a new part would come out, ending on a cliffhanger to make people want to come back.

He went on to direct many other famous serials. These included Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars, Buck Rogers, The Green Hornet, and Don Winslow of the Navy. A film historian named Hal Erickson thought these were some of Beebe's best works.

Love for Westerns

Ford Beebe really enjoyed directing Westerns. He once told the Evening Independent newspaper that Westerns were the "bread and butter" for film studios. This means they were a reliable way for studios to make money. He was listed as the director for over 100 films!

Even famous director Alfred Hitchcock praised Beebe. Hitchcock was impressed with Beebe's 1942 film Night Monster. He liked how quickly and cheaply Beebe was able to make the movie.

Ford Beebe's Family Life

Ford Beebe was married to a writer named Frances Wiley. They had eight children together. Their only son, Ford Beebe, Jr., also became a director, just like his father.

Sadly, they lost twin daughters when they were babies. But they had five other daughters who grew up: Frances, Mary, Ruthann, Maxine, and Martha. Later in his life, Ford Beebe married Kitty Delevanti. They had one son named Mike.

Selected Films by Ford Beebe