Background
Collins was born in London, and began directing for the stage, including productions of Fata Morgana, Number Manitoba"s Land, and Tarnish.
Collins was born in London, and began directing for the stage, including productions of Fata Morgana, Number Manitoba"s Land, and Tarnish.
In 1934 he wed Rhoda Shepherd. He moved to Los Angeles and directed some plays there, then moved into movie making as a dialogue director for Warner Brothers He worked in that capacity for two years then became a director, making several B pictures.
He moved to Australia in May 1939 to make Seven Little Australians (1939) and decided to stay there.
He served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World World War II, being discharged as a squadron leader. He also was stationed as administrative officer for two years at Portuguese Pirie and Mount Gambier.
In 1947 Collins managed to source funding to make another movie, Strong Is the Seed (1949). He later announced plans to make a film about Cobb and Company but this did not eventuate.