Sam Wood

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Director Born Samuel G. Wood on July 10, 1883 in Philadelphia, PA

Sam Wood was a veteran film director and founder and first president of the Motion Picture Alliance, an anti-Communist organization.

Wood always said his favorite film was "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" (1939), but that his best job as director was "Kings Row" (1942).

In 1908, the young real estate dealer had married a beginning actress and she first turned his eyes toward Hollywood. Wood became an actor, played bits in early films and graduated to the role of assistant director to Cecil B. DeMille in 1914. Five years later, he became a director in his own right.

In the silent days, Wood guided such stars as Wallace Reid, Jackie Coogan, Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino.

In 1930, he signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, directing Jean Harlow, Marie Dressler, Clark Gable and Joan Crawford.

Wood's greatest successes included "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "Saratoga Trunk," "Pride of the Yankees," and "Our Town."

His most recent film was "Ambush" with Robert Taylor and John Hodiak.

— Los Angeles Times Sept. 23, 1949

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