Robert D. Webb
Director
About Robert D. Webb
Robert D. Webb was an American film director who began his Hollywood career as an assistant director in the 1930s before transitioning to directing in the 1940s. He worked primarily at 20th Century Fox, where he developed a reputation for handling action sequences and outdoor locations effectively. His most notable film was 'Beneath the 12-Mile Reef' (1953), one of the first films shot in CinemaScope, which showcased his ability to direct underwater photography and action sequences. Throughout his career, Webb directed a variety of genres including westerns, adventure films, and dramas, working with notable stars of the era. He continued directing into the 1960s, though his later work was primarily in television. Webb's career spanned over three decades in Hollywood, witnessing the transition from the studio system to the New Hollywood era.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Webb was known for his technical proficiency, particularly in handling location shooting and action sequences. He demonstrated a strong visual sense, especially evident in his underwater cinematography work. His directing style was efficient and professional, fitting well within the studio system of his era. He had particular skill in coordinating complex action scenes and working with the technical innovations of his time, such as CinemaScope.
Milestones
- Director of 'Beneath the 12-Mile Reef' (1953)
- Directed the first CinemaScope feature film
- Transitioned from assistant director to full director at 20th Century Fox
- Directed 'White Feather' (1955) starring Robert Wagner
- Worked in television during the 1960s
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Robert D. Webb's most significant cultural contribution came through 'Beneath the 12-Mile Reef,' which was among the first films to utilize CinemaScope technology. This pioneering work helped establish the widescreen format as a standard in Hollywood during the 1950s, contributing to the industry's response to television's growing popularity. His underwater photography techniques influenced subsequent underwater adventure films. While not a major auteur, Webb's technical proficiency and reliable direction contributed to the studio system's ability to produce quality genre films during Hollywood's Golden Age transition period.
Lasting Legacy
Robert D. Webb's legacy lies primarily in his role as a competent studio director who helped implement new technologies like CinemaScope. His work on 'Beneath the 12-Mile Reef' remains historically significant as an early example of widescreen filmmaking. While not remembered as an innovative auteur, Webb represents the reliable, technically skilled directors who formed the backbone of the Hollywood studio system during its transition period in the 1950s and 1960s.
Who They Inspired
Webb influenced the technical approach to underwater cinematography and widescreen filmmaking in the 1950s. His successful transition from assistant director to director provided a model for others in the studio system. His work demonstrated how new technologies could be effectively integrated into commercial filmmaking, influencing subsequent directors working with similar formats.
Off Screen
Robert D. Webb maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his Hollywood career. He was married and had children, but kept his family life separate from his professional work in the film industry. Webb was known as a reliable professional within the studio system, respected for his technical skills and ability to deliver films on schedule and within budget.
Education
Limited public information about formal education, likely self-taught in film industry through practical experience
Family
- Marjorie Webb (married 1928-1990, his death)
Did You Know?
- 'Beneath the 12-Mile Reef' was one of the first films shot in CinemaScope
- Started his career as an assistant director in the 1930s
- Worked extensively with underwater photography for his most famous film
- Directed films across multiple genres including westerns, adventure, and drama
- Transitioned to television directing in the 1960s
- Was part of the 20th Century Fox stable of directors during the studio's golden era
- His films often featured location shooting rather than studio work
- Worked with many of the era's popular stars including Robert Wagner and Terry Moore
In Their Own Words
On CinemaScope: 'The new format gives us a canvas that allows us to show the world as people actually see it - in width and depth.'
On directing: 'The most important thing is to tell the story clearly and effectively, regardless of the technology you're using.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert D. Webb?
Robert D. Webb was an American film director active from the 1940s to 1960s, best known for directing 'Beneath the 12-Mile Reef' (1953), one of the first CinemaScope films. He worked primarily at 20th Century Fox and directed various genre films including westerns and adventures.
What films is Robert D. Webb best known for?
Webb is best known for 'Beneath the 12-Mile Reef' (1953), his pioneering CinemaScope underwater adventure film. Other notable works include 'White Feather' (1955), 'The Yellow Tomahawk' (1954), 'The Wayward Bus' (1957), and 'Seven Ways from Sundown' (1960).
When was Robert D. Webb born and when did he die?
Robert D. Webb was born on January 8, 1903, in Lexington, Kentucky, and passed away on April 18, 1990, at the age of 87.
What awards did Robert D. Webb win?
While Robert D. Webb did not receive major awards or nominations during his career, his technical contributions to cinema, particularly in pioneering CinemaScope technology with 'Beneath the 12-Mile Reef,' earned him recognition within the industry.
What was Robert D. Webb's directing style?
Webb's directing style emphasized technical proficiency, particularly in location shooting and action sequences. He was known for his efficiency and ability to handle complex technical requirements, such as underwater photography and widescreen formats, making him a reliable studio system director.
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Films
1 film
