Sutton Roley

Sutton Roley was a television director--with a rare but noteworthy dip or two into big-screen filmmaking--who was known for his strong, two-fisted visual sense and gripping storytelling sense. His first credit was in 1957, directing an episode of the popular cop show "Highway Patrol," starring Broderick Crawford as crusty Police Chief Dan Mathews. A lot of his subsequent (and most notable) television work was in the crime ("Mannix"), Western ("Wagon Train"), and war genres, displaying his meticulous attention to the craft. His fans consider the 15 episodes he directed on the hard-hitting World War II action show "Combat!," along with "Mannix," to be some of his best television work. In regard to his occasional foray into motion picture territory, cult movie fans have long championed his apocalyptic 1974 science fiction/horror film, "Chosen Survivors," for its skillful, heightened visual style and inventiveness. His 1975 television movie, "Satan's Triangle" (set in the mysterious Bermuda Triangle area), also has its strong supporters due to its eerie mood. Roley died at the age of 84, after directing over 50 movies and television shows.