William Castle

William Castle
William Castle with a fake cockroach, c. 1976
Born	William Schloss Jr. (1914-04-24)April 24, 1914 New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	May 31, 1977(1977-05-31) (aged 63) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupations	Film director film producer screenwriter actor
Spouse	Ellen Falck ​ (m. 1948)​
Children	2

William Castle (born William Schloss Jr.; April 24, 1914 – May 31, 1977) was an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. He is known for the horror and thriller B-movies he directed during the 1950s and ‘60s, which utilized distinctive promotional gimmicks.

Born in New York City and orphaned at 11, Castle dropped out of high school at 15 to work in the theater. He came to the attention of Columbia Pictures for his talent for promotion and was hired. He learned the trade of filmmaking and became a director, acquiring a reputation for being able to churn out competent B-movies quickly and on budget. He eventually struck out on his own, producing and directing thrillers, which, despite their low budgets, he effectively promoted using gimmicks, a trademark for which he is best known. He was also the producer for Rosemary's Baby (1968).