Best known for directing the 1981 fantasy classic Clash of the Titans.
Studied at Regent Street Polytechnic's school of photography and cinematography. In 1944, joined Riverside studios in Hammersmith as a clapper loader. Worked as a cameraman before graduating to direction.
Son of Dorothy (nee Newbold) and Isaac (known as William) Davis, a director of the optical lens manufacturer Newbold & Co.
Served in the British Army (1945-49) as a sergeant in South East Asia Command, seconded to the Army Film and Photographic Unit.