13 Movies Actually Ghost Directed By A Second Filmmaker

Likely one of the longest-running cases of a ‘ghost directing’ controversy, this classic 50s horror is an atmospheric chiller done in an effectively timeless style. It was directed by Christian Nyby, yet most film-buffs consider this to be a no-contest directorial product of the film’s producer Howard Hawks.

Over the years, speculation on the subject has swung back and forth, most apparently when lead actor Kenneth Tobey said Hawks called the shots. Then that was contradicted by the film's creature James Arness, that championed Nyby for being in charge. Several actors and crew over the years when pressed have swayed either way, with one thing clearly apparent; we'll never really know.

What is curious on the matter is that Hawks’ distinct style is apparent throughout. His machine-gun dialogue, invisible camera moves, and spunky female heroine are all clear traits that belong to the director's trademark repertoire, much more than anything that Nyby would go on to make.

Still, Nyby was Hawk's editor that the seasoned director took under his wing in a mentor capacity. All eyes point that their relationship on the movie was highly collaborative, with Hawks no doubt influential in the production, but did he outright direct it? One has to question the 50/50 split on evidence.

Still, an odd piece of trivia makes an argument Hawks actually did; from the $50,000 cheque RKO paid for the director's fee, the veteran director gave Nyby $5,460 and pocketed the rest. Either he took what he felt was his rightful contribution...or he was notoriously cheap.