Nicholas Webster
Director
About Nicholas Webster
Nicholas Webster was an American television and film director whose career spanned several decades, primarily focusing on television work during the golden age of American TV. He began his directing career in the 1950s, working on numerous anthology series and dramatic shows that defined early television. While he directed many episodes of popular series throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he is ironically best remembered for his single feature film, 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964), which has become a cult classic despite being widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made. Webster's television work was far more accomplished, including episodes of respected series such as 'The Fugitive,' 'Bonanza,' and 'The Twilight Zone.' His directing style was straightforward and efficient, well-suited to the demands of television production schedules. Later in his career, he directed several made-for-television movies and continued working in television through the 1980s. Despite the infamy of his Martian Christmas film, Webster was actually a competent journeyman director who contributed significantly to American television programming during its formative decades.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Journeyman director with a practical, efficient approach suited for television production. Webster's style was straightforward and unpretentious, focusing on clear storytelling and meeting production deadlines. His television work demonstrated competence in handling various genres, from westerns to dramas to science fiction.
Milestones
- Directed 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964)
- Directed multiple episodes of 'The Fugitive' (1963-1967)
- Directed episodes of 'Bonanza' (1959-1973)
- Directed episodes of 'The Twilight Zone' (1959-1964)
- Directed made-for-TV movies in the 1970s and 1980s
- Worked on anthology series including 'The United States Steel Hour'
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Cult status for 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' as one of the worst/best bad movies ever made
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Nicholas Webster's cultural impact is ironically tied to his most infamous work, 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,' which has become a beloved cult classic despite its poor quality. The film has been featured in numerous 'worst films' lists and is regularly shown at midnight movie screenings. Its bizarre premise and low-budget charm have made it a holiday tradition for fans of so-bad-it's-good cinema. The film's enduring popularity has overshadowed Webster's more competent television work, creating a peculiar legacy where he's remembered for what many consider his worst effort rather than his better professional achievements.
Lasting Legacy
Nicholas Webster's legacy is that of a television journeyman director who accidentally created one of the most infamous cult films in cinema history. While his extensive television work demonstrated professional competence across multiple genres and series, 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' has ensured his name lives on in film history. The movie has been referenced in pop culture, parodied, and celebrated for its earnest ineptitude. Webster represents the phenomenon of directors whose most famous work is not necessarily their best, but rather their most memorable for unconventional reasons.
Who They Inspired
While Nicholas Webster did not significantly influence other directors through his television work, his 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' has influenced the 'so bad it's good' genre and midnight movie culture. The film has inspired countless parodies, homages, and bad movie nights. Directors like Tim Burton and John Waters have cited such films as influences on their appreciation for outsider art and unconventional cinema. Webster's film serves as a reminder that sometimes artistic influence comes from unexpected places and that commercial failure can sometimes lead to cultural immortality.
Off Screen
Nicholas Webster maintained a relatively private personal life, with most public attention focusing on his professional work rather than his private affairs. He lived in New York during his early career before moving to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in the expanding television industry. Despite the cult following of his most famous film, Webster rarely gave interviews about it and preferred to be known for his extensive television work.
Education
Unknown - not publicly documented
Family
- Unknown - not publicly documented
Did You Know?
- 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' was filmed in an abandoned aircraft hangar on Long Island, New York
- The film famously features a young Pia Zadora in one of her first roles as a Martian child
- The Martian costumes were reportedly made from shower curtains and car parts
- The film's budget was approximately $200,000, extremely low even for 1964
- Despite its reputation, the film has never been out of print and is available on multiple home video formats
- The film was featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000, cementing its cult status
- Webster directed over 100 television episodes during his career
- The film's polar bear suit was reportedly rented and had been used in previous productions
- The Martian spaceship was a simple prop with visible wires in many scenes
- Webster never publicly commented on the film's cult status or its reputation as a 'bad movie'
In Their Own Words
No known famous quotes from Nicholas Webster - he was a behind-the-scenes director who rarely gave interviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nicholas Webster?
Nicholas Webster was an American television and film director active from the 1950s through the 1980s. He directed numerous television episodes and series, but is ironically best known for directing the cult film 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964), widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made.
What films is Nicholas Webster best known for?
Nicholas Webster is primarily known for 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964), which has become a cult classic despite its poor reputation. He also directed various made-for-television movies, but his feature film work was limited to this one infamous production.
When was Nicholas Webster born and when did he die?
Nicholas Webster was born on July 24, 1912, in New York City, and passed away on August 12, 2006, at the age of 94. His career spanned over three decades in American television and film.
What awards did Nicholas Webster win?
Nicholas Webster did not receive any major awards during his career. His only lasting 'honor' has been the cult status achieved by 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,' which is celebrated in bad movie circles rather than traditional award ceremonies.
What was Nicholas Webster's directing style?
Webster was a practical journeyman director with a straightforward, efficient style well-suited for television production. His approach was unpretentious and focused on clear storytelling within the constraints of television schedules and budgets.
What television shows did Nicholas Webster work on?
Webster directed episodes of numerous classic television series including 'The Fugitive,' 'Bonanza,' 'The Twilight Zone,' 'The United States Steel Hour,' and many other dramatic and anthology series throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Why is 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' considered a cult classic?
The film has achieved cult status due to its bizarre premise, extremely low budget, earnest execution, and unintentionally hilarious results. It's celebrated as a 'so bad it's good' masterpiece and has been featured on shows like Mystery Science Theater 3000, ensuring its place in bad movie history.
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Films
1 film
