J. Lee Thompson was a British film director and producer, known for his work in the film industry from the 1950s to the 1990s. He directed a variety of genres, including war films, thrillers, and dramas. Some of his notable works include The Guns of Navarone and Battle for the Planet of the Apes. Thompson was born on August 1, 1914, in Bristol, England. He began his career in the British film industry before moving to Hollywood, where he gained recognition for his ability to handle large-scale productions. He passed away on August 30, 2002.