Career
He is perhaps best known for directing the Doctor series of films. He cast the actor James Robertson Justice in many of his films. Thomas often worked with the producer Betty East. Box, who was married to Carry On producer Peter Rogers.
Thomas was a nephew of producer Victor Saville.
Born in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, Thomas entered the film business as a clapper boy at Shepperton Studios in 1932 while studying. He soon worked in film, sound, editing and camera departments.
Returning to film with the Rank Organisation, Thomas advanced from assistant editor, to making film trailers to becoming head of Rank"s trailer department as well as writing films. Sydney Box had enjoyed Thomas"s trailer for Miranda and when a position of director came up due to an unexpected illness, Thomas made his directoral debut in Once Upon a Dream.
