Robert Wise was born as the youngest of three brothers. Through an odd job at RKO at the age of 19, the avid moviegoer came into film business. A head sound effects editor at the studio recognized Wise's talent, and made Wise his protege.

Around 1941 Orson Welles was in need of an editor for "Citizen Kane", and Wise did a splendid job. Welles really liked his work and ideas. Wise started as a director with some B-Movies and his career went on quickly, and he made MANY classic movies. His last theatrical film, "Rooftops", proved that Wise was a film maker still in full command of his craft in his 80's. The carefully composed images, tight editing and unflagging pace make one wish that Wise had not stayed away from the camera for so long