Daniel Haller, a renowned American film and television director, production designer, and art director, made his entrance into the world on September 14, 1926, in the picturesque city of Glendale, California, a place that would later serve as the backdrop for his creative endeavors.
He went on to cultivate his artistic talents at the esteemed Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, a prestigious institution that would provide him with the ideal environment to hone his skills and nurture his passion for the arts.
The television career of Haller commenced in 1953, marking the beginning of a professional journey that would span multiple decades and various mediums. Initially, he started out as an art director, a role that would serve as a springboard for his subsequent success in the film industry. Haller's early work primarily consisted of low-budget feature films, a genre that would allow him to hone his skills and develop his unique style.
However, it was his collaboration with the renowned director Roger Corman that would truly cement his status as a master of his craft. Haller's impressive skills as a set designer were showcased in nearly all of Corman's critically acclaimed Edgar Allan Poe film series, a collection of movies that would go on to become cult classics. One of the most iconic films in this series was undoubtedly House of Usher (1960),a movie that featured Haller's lavish and intricate set design. Another notable example of his work during this period is The Pit and the Pendulum (1961),a film that further demonstrated his ability to create visually stunning and immersive environments.
Through his work on these films, Haller established himself as a talented and versatile set designer, capable of bringing even the most ambitious and elaborate visions to life. His contributions to the world of film would go on to have a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of filmmakers and set designers.
The remarkable directorial debut of Haller took place in 1965 with the release of the cinematic masterpiece, Die, Monster, Die!, a film meticulously crafted from the eerie and unsettling short story by the renowned author H. P. Lovecraft, titled The Colour Out of Space. The movie's narrative and ambiance displayed a striking similarity to the captivating and suspenseful films of Corman, which were inspired by the works of the enigmatic and celebrated author Edgar Allan Poe.
Following this outstanding achievement, Haller went on to direct two films that revolved around the thrilling world of motorcycles, The Devil's Angels (1967) and The Wild Racers (1968),before venturing into the realm of the unknown and adapting another spine-tingling tale by Lovecraft, The Dunwich Horror, which was released in 1970.
Since 1972, the professional trajectory of Haller has been solely dedicated to the realm of television, where he has demonstrated his expertise by helming episodes of esteemed programs such as the iconic Night Gallery, the critically acclaimed Battlestar Galactica, and the futuristic Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
Presently, Haller shares his life with his loved ones on a picturesque horse ranch situated in the San Fernando Valley, a poignant testament to his lasting impact on the film and television industries.
