William D. Russell

Biography

William D. Russell was an American film and television director. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 30, 1908, he began his Hollywood career with the 1945 film Hollywood Victory Caravan. His career in film ended with his last film, 1951's Best of the Badmen. In the early fifties he began directing for television with Screen Gems, and his many credits include episodes of Father Knows Best (he was with the show from 1954 to 1956), Dennis the Menace, Perry Mason, Hazel, Bewitched, the Farmer's Daughter and Family Affair. Russell was nominated for three Emmys, first for You Are There in 1953, second for the Farmer's Daughter in 1964, and later for Family Affair in 1967. His directorial career ended shortly before his death in April 1968.

Directed

1. Bewitched (1964) — Director
2. Perry Mason (1957) — Director
3. Gunsmoke (1955) — Director
4. Family Affair (1966) — Director
5. Dennis the Menace (1959) — Director
6. Father Knows Best (1954) — Director
7. Hazel (1961) — Director
8. Gentle Ben (1967) — Director
9. Best of the Badmen (1951) — Director
10. The Green Promise (1949) — Director
11. Hollywood Victory Caravan (1945) — Director
12. The 20th Century Fox Hour (1955) — Director
13. Dear Ruth (1947) — Director
14. Bride for Sale (1949) — Director
15. The Sainted Sisters (1948) — Director
16. Our Hearts Were Growing Up (1946) — Director
17. The Farmer's Daughter (1963) — Director
18. Grindl (1963) — Director
19. The Eve Arden Show (1957) — Director
20. Boss Lady (1952) — Director
21. Ladies' Man (1947) — Director
22. Damon Runyon Theater (1955) — Director

Also appeared in

1. The Biscuit Eater (1940) — Field Judge (uncredited)