Robinson Crusoe on Mars

Byron Conrad Haskin (April 22, 1899 – April 16, 1984) was an American film and television director. He was born in Portland, Oregon.

He is remembered today for directing 1953’s The War of the Worlds, one of many films where he teamed with producer George Pal. In his early career, he was a special effects artist, with a number of credits on Warner Bros. films, eventually becoming the head of the studio’s special effects department. During his tenure there he earned three Oscar nominations for his effects work, and was even recognized with a Scientific and Technical Award citation for developing a rear-projection system useful in effects photography. In the late 1940s he turned to directing, helming Treasure Island, Walt Disney’s first live-action feature. In 1953 he began his collaboration with George Pal, followed by The Naked Jungle, Conquest of Space in 1955, and The Power in 1967. His other most noteworthy film is the science fiction adventure Robinson Crusoe on Mars, released in 1964. Haskin also worked as a cinematographer and producer.

His career in television included directing six episodes of the original The Outer Limits, including two highly regarded episodes, “The Architects of Fear” and “Demon with a Glass Hand”. He also co-produced the original Star Trek pilot episode, “The Cage”.

Haskin appeared as an interviewee on-screen in the 1980 documentary Hollywood series by Kevin Brownlow. Haskin died in Montecito, California six days before his 85th birthday. —Wikipedia