Andrew V. McLaglen
Director
About Andrew V. McLaglen
Andrew Victor McLaglen was a British-American film and television director who specialized in Westerns and action films throughout his prolific career. Born in London to Academy Award-winning actor Victor McLaglen, he moved to Hollywood as a child and grew up immersed in the film industry. After serving in World War II, he began his career as an assistant director on several notable films before transitioning to directing in the late 1950s. McLaglen found his niche directing Westerns, often working with stars like John Wayne, James Stewart, and Richard Widmark. He directed the iconic John Wayne film 'McLintock!' (1963) and went on to helm numerous other successful Westerns including 'The Undefeated' (1969), 'Chisum' (1970), and 'The Devil's Brigade' (1968). His television work included directing episodes of classic Western series such as 'Gunsmoke,' 'Rawhide,' and 'Have Gun - Will Travel.' McLaglen continued directing into the 1980s, cementing his reputation as a reliable craftsman of American Western cinema before his retirement.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Known for his efficient, no-nonsense approach to filmmaking, McLaglen specialized in action sequences and outdoor locations. His directing style emphasized clear storytelling, practical effects, and working within budget constraints while maintaining high production values. He was particularly skilled at orchestrating large-scale action scenes and battle sequences, making him a go-to director for war films and Westerns.
Milestones
- Directed 'McLintock!' (1963) starring John Wayne
- Directed 'The Undefeated' (1969) with John Wayne and Rock Hudson
- Directed 'Chisum' (1970) starring John Wayne
- Directed 'The Devil's Brigade' (1968) with William Holden
- Directed episodes of 'Gunsmoke' and 'Rawhide'
- Directed 'Fool's Parade' (1971) with James Stewart
- Directed 'The Sea Wolves' (1980) with Gregory Peck
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Western Heritage Awards (1970) - The Undefeated
- Golden Boot Award (1988)
Nominated
- Directors Guild of America Award nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Television (1970)
Special Recognition
- Golden Boot Award for lifetime contribution to Westerns (1988)
- Western Heritage Awards for The Undefeated (1970)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Andrew V. McLaglen played a significant role in preserving the Western genre during the 1960s and 1970s when it was facing declining popularity. His films, particularly those starring John Wayne, helped maintain the traditional American Western's appeal during a transitional period in Hollywood. His work on television Westerns also contributed to the genre's endurance on the small screen, influencing generations of Western filmmakers. McLaglen's efficient directing style and ability to deliver commercially successful films within budget constraints made him a valuable asset to Hollywood studios during the changing landscape of 1960s and 1970s cinema.
Lasting Legacy
Andrew V. McLaglen left a lasting legacy as one of Hollywood's most reliable directors of Westerns and action films. His collaboration with John Wayne resulted in some of the Duke's most memorable late-career films. McLaglen's extensive television work helped shape the visual language of the Western genre on television. His films continue to be celebrated by Western enthusiasts and are frequently featured in retrospectives of classic American cinema. The efficiency and professionalism he brought to his productions set a standard for genre filmmaking that influenced subsequent generations of action and Western directors.
Who They Inspired
McLaglen influenced numerous filmmakers who followed in the Western genre, particularly in his approach to practical action sequences and location shooting. His work demonstrated how to maintain commercial viability in genre films during Hollywood's transition period. His television direction helped establish conventions for Western series that would influence shows for decades. Directors who worked with him as assistant directors often cited his efficiency and professionalism as formative influences on their own careers.
Off Screen
Andrew V. McLaglen was born into a show business family as the son of actor Victor McLaglen. He married twice during his lifetime, first to actress Suzanne Pleshette's sister, and later to his second wife. He had three children from his marriages. McLaglen served in the United States Army during World War II before pursuing his career in Hollywood. He maintained a relatively private personal life despite his Hollywood connections, focusing primarily on his craft and family.
Education
Studied at the University of Southern California (USC) after serving in World War II
Family
- Margaret 'Peggy' McLaglen (1946-1963)
- Veda McLaglen (1964-2014)
Did You Know?
- Son of Academy Award-winning actor Victor McLaglen
- Served in the U.S. Army during World War II
- Began his career as an assistant director to John Ford
- Directed his father Victor in the film 'The Rare Breed' (1966)
- Was the godson of director John Ford
- Worked extensively with John Wayne, directing him in 5 films
- Was known for completing films on time and under budget
- Directed episodes of over 20 different television series
- His last film was 'Return from the River Kwai' (1989)
- Received the Golden Boot Award in 1988 for his contributions to Western films
In Their Own Words
I'm a journeyman director. I make pictures that make money and that people enjoy.
Working with John Wayne was like working with a force of nature - you just had to capture it on film.
The Western isn't dead, it just needs good stories and good people to tell them.
I learned more from watching my father on set than from any film school.
Television taught me to be efficient - you had to tell a story in 48 minutes and make it count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Andrew V. McLaglen?
Andrew V. McLaglen was a British-American film and television director best known for his work on Westerns and action films. He was the son of actor Victor McLaglen and directed numerous films starring John Wayne, including 'McLintock!' and 'The Undefeated.'
What films is Andrew V. McLaglen best known for?
McLaglen is best known for directing 'McLintock!' (1963), 'The Undefeated' (1969), 'Chisum' (1970), 'The Devil's Brigade' (1968), and 'The Sea Wolves' (1980). He also directed numerous episodes of classic Western television series.
When was Andrew V. McLaglen born and when did he die?
Andrew V. McLaglen was born on July 28, 1920, in London, England, and died on August 30, 2014, in Friday Harbor, Washington, at the age of 94.
What awards did Andrew V. McLaglen win?
McLaglen received the Golden Boot Award in 1988 for his contributions to Western cinema and won Western Heritage Awards for 'The Undefeated' in 1970. He was also nominated for a Directors Guild of America Award for his television work.
What was Andrew V. McLaglen's directing style?
McLaglen was known for his efficient, no-nonsense approach to filmmaking, specializing in clear storytelling and well-choreographed action sequences. He excelled at outdoor location shooting and was particularly skilled at directing large-scale battle scenes and Western action sequences.
How was Andrew V. McLaglen related to John Ford?
McLaglen was the godson of legendary director John Ford and began his career as an assistant director to Ford. His father, Victor McLaglen, had worked extensively with Ford, creating a family connection to the iconic director.
What was Andrew V. McLaglen's relationship with John Wayne?
McLaglen directed John Wayne in five films: 'McLintock!', 'The Undefeated', 'Chisum', 'Big Jake', and 'Cahill U.S. Marshal'. Their collaboration was highly successful, producing some of Wayne's most popular late-career Westerns.
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Films
1 film
