Lee Frost

Lee Frost (August 20, 1921 - July 20, 2004) was an American film director, producer, and writer who became a pioneer of the exploitation film genre. He directed over 50 films in his career, many of which were low-budget B-movies.

Frost was born in Des Moines, Iowa. He studied film at the University of California, Los Angeles, and worked as an assistant director for producer Jules Levey. After serving in World War II, he returned to Hollywood and began directing in 1951. His first feature film was "The Lawless Breed," a western starring Rock Hudson.

In the 1950s, Frost began to specialize in producing and directing low-budget films. He directed several popular drive-in B-movies, including "High School Hellcats," "The Adventures of Lucky Pierre," and "Dragstrip Girl." He also produced several horror films, such as "The Flesh Eaters," "The Beast with a Million Eyes," and "The Brain Eaters."

Frost was an innovator in the field of exploitation films. He was one of the first filmmakers to make use of shock tactics, sex, and violence to attract attention to his films. He also pioneered the use of direct-to-video releases, which allowed his films to bypass the traditional distribution system.

In the late 1960s, Frost began to focus on producing documentaries. He worked on several nature films and travelogues, including "The Wild World of Animals" and "The World of Life." He also directed the documentaries "The Hellstrom Chronicle" and "The Hellstrom Journey."

In the 1970s, Frost returned to making B-movies, including the cult classic "Blazing Stewardesses" and the highly successful "The Erotic Adventures of Zorro." He continued to work until his retirement in the late 1990s.

Lee Frost was an influential figure in the world of exploitation films. He was a pioneer of the genre and helped to popularize it in the 1950s and 1960s. His films were known for their shock tactics, sex, and violence, and his innovations in the field of direct-to-video releases helped to revolutionize the film industry. Frost's legacy continues to be felt in the world of exploitation films today.