Actor who turned to directing in 1923, progressing from low-budget material to more prestigious productions like the MGM "Tarzan" cycle. Proficient to the point of boredom ("His reputation for needing only one take is why we don't remember his films," quipped James Mason), Thorpe spent 33 years of his 45-year career with MGM and was immensely prolific and capable in all genres. Highlights include "Night Must Fall" (1938), "The Great Caruso" (1951), three Robert Taylor swashbucklers ("Ivanhoe" 1952, "Knights of the Round Table" 1954 and "Quentin Durward" 1955) and "Jailhouse Rock" (1957).
Companion
WIFE: Belva McKay.
Milestone
Acted in vaudeville, stock and musical comedy
1921: Arrived in Hollywood as an actor
Appeared as actor in "Torchy Comedies", "Three O'clock in the Morning", "Burn "em up Barnes", "Flame of Desire"
1923: Directed first two-reelers
1924: Directed first feature, "Gold and Grit"
1935: Signed as a director by MGM
1939: Was initial director on "The Wizard of Oz"
1967: Last film before retiring, "The Last Challenge"
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