James Neilson (director)

James William Neilson (October 1, 1909 – December 9, 1979) was an American television director, known for his stage and film direction as well as his work with Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color.

[1][3] Following the war, Neilson returned to the theatre and from 1948 to 1952, he directed numerous productions at the La Jolla Playhouse, many of which featured well-known Hollywood performers including Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston and Groucho Marx.

Movies directed by Neilson include Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow, The Moon-Spinners,[5] Summer Magic,[6] Gentle Giant, Bon Voyage!, The First Time, Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows,[7]Moon Pilot[8] and The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin.

[9] The Western genre features frequently in Neilson's work, most notably the film Night Passage (1957) starring James Stewart.

[11] In addition to directing, Neilson's filmography includes credits for writing, on Wonderful World of Disney (1970), and for acting, on Perry Mason (1961).