Born in Bristol, England. Multi-talented figure from the stage who landed his first screen role in 1935. He entered Brtish films as a screenwriter in 1937. A competent technician, Thompson made his directorial debut in 1950 (MURDER WITHOUT CRIME, 1951; based on his play Double Error) and went on to produce a considerable volume of British and American features, notably THE GUNS OF NAVARONE (1961) and CAPE FEAR (1962). Thompson has also directed nine Charles Bronson vehicles. Other notable directing credits include TARAS BULBA (1962), JOHN GOLDFARB, PLEASE COME HOME (1965), EYE OF THE DEVIL (1966), MACKENNA'S GOLD (1969), CONQUEST OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (1972), BATTLE FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (1973), HUCKLBERRY FINN (1974), THE REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUD (1975), THE GREEK TYCOON (1978). His last film was KINJITE: FORBIDDEN SUBJECTS (1989).  Nominated for Directing 1961: THE GUNS OF NAVARONE 1 nomination