[[File:Lewis Teague.jpg|thumb|Lewis Teague]]
Lewis Teague (born August 26, 1938) is an American film director. He is best known for his work in the horror, thriller, and action genres during the 1980s, including adaptations of Stephen King novels.
Early Life and Career
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Lewis Teague began his career in the film industry in various capacities, including film editing and assistant directing. He worked as an editor on films such as Monte Hellman's Cockfighter (1974) and China 9, Liberty 37 (1978). His experience in these roles provided a foundation for his later transition to directing.
His early directorial efforts included the independent feature Dirty O'Neil (1974) and the short film The Lady in Red (1979).
Directing Career
Teague gained wider recognition in the early 1980s, becoming a director known for genre films. His work often showcased a distinct blend of suspense, action, and horror elements.
Notable Films
- Alligator (1980): A cult classic monster film written by John Sayles, Alligator established Teague's ability to handle special effects and build suspense. The film received positive reviews for its blend of humor and horror.
- Cujo (1983): An adaptation of Stephen King's novel, Cujo is one of Teague's most well-known films. It features Dee Wallace as a mother trapped in a car with her son by a rabid St. Bernard. The film was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Teague's reputation in the horror genre.
- Cat's Eye (1985): Another Stephen King adaptation, Cat's Eye is an anthology film consisting of three segments, two of which are based on King's short stories ("Quitters, Inc." and "The Ledge"), with an original third story. The film features Drew Barrymore and James Woods.
- The Jewel of the Nile (1985): The sequel to the hugely successful Romancing the Stone, this action-adventure film starred Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito. While not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, it performed well at the box office.
- Navy SEALs (1990): An action film starring Charlie Sheen and Michael Biehn, depicting the exploits of a U.S. Navy SEAL team.
Later Work
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Teague continued to direct, primarily working on television films and episodes for various series. His later work included projects like Wedlock (1991), Stranglehold (1994), and episodes of Profiler and Diagnosis: Murder.
Filmography (Selected)
- Dirty O'Neil (1974)
- The Lady in Red (1979)
- Alligator (1980)
- Cujo (1983)
- Cat's Eye (1985)
- The Jewel of the Nile (1985)
- Collision Course (1989)
- Navy SEALs (1990)
- Wedlock (1991) (TV film)
- Stranglehold (1994)
- Tails You Live, Heads You're Dead (1995) (TV film)
- Profiler (TV series, episodes)
- Diagnosis: Murder (TV series, episodes)
Legacy
Lewis Teague's films from the 1980s, particularly Alligator, Cujo, and Cat's Eye, have retained a significant following and are often cited as quintessential examples of their respective genres from that era. His ability to craft engaging narratives with strong suspense and character development has contributed to their lasting appeal.