Best known for directing the 1981 fantasy classic Clash of the Titans.
Son of Dorothy (nee Newbold) and Isaac (known as William) Davis, a director of the optical lens manufacturer Newbold & Co.
Served in the British Army (1945-49) as a sergeant in South East Asia Command, seconded to the Army Film and Photographic Unit.
Studied at Regent Street Polytechnic's school of photography and cinematography. In 1944, joined Riverside studios in Hammersmith as a clapper loader. Worked as a cameraman before graduating to direction.