The first full-length account of the life and work of Joseph H. Lewis, the noted director of films such asMy Name is Julia Ross(1945) andThe Halliday Brand(1957). Because most commentators and interviewers have focused on Lewis' contributions tofilm noirand particularlyGun CrazyandThe Big Combo, Nevins tries to give equal time to Lewis' early B westerns and television series episodes, including episodes ofThe RiflemanandGunsmokethat he directed at the end of his career. Nevins's narrative is interspersed with Lewis's own reflections on his life and career, adding a personal element that enlivens the text. A detailed filmography includes Lewis's editorial work, feature films, and episodes of TV series.