Jack Arnold; Made Popular Science Fiction, Horror Films
Jack Arnold, a director and producer who specialized in such science fiction and horror films as “Creature From the Black Lagoon,” “It Came From Outer Space” and “The Incredible Shrinking Man,” died Tuesday in Woodland Hills of the complications of arteriosclerosis. He was 79.
The Emmy-award winning director--for a 1966 Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca TV special--began in the entertainment industry as a Broadway actor in such shows as “My Sister Eileen” and “A Bell for Adano.”
During World War II, under the tutelage of Robert Flaherty, he began producing and directing documentaries. He turned out more than 25 for government agencies and private industry. One of them, “With These Hands,” was nominated for an Academy Award in 1950.
After his discharge from the Air Force, Arnold began a lengthy affiliation with Universal Pictures, turning out such films as “High School Confidential,” “The Mouse That Roared,” “Bachelor in Paradise” and “The Swiss Conspiracy.”
He also worked successfully in television, producing episodes for “Gilligan’s Island,” “It Takes a Thief” and other series.
Survivors include his wife, Betty, and two daughters.
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