Harry Spalding, a Canadian native born in Victoria, British Columbia, relocated to the United States at the tender age of six, and his mother's influence played a significant role in nurturing his passion for writing. She would often read classic literature aloud to him during his childhood, sparking an early interest in the craft.
Before diving headfirst into writing, Spalding dabbled in short story and newspaper writing, honing his skills and building a foundation for his future endeavors. He then transitioned into the theater industry, working as a film booker and buyer in San Francisco, where he crossed paths with exhibitor and filmmaker Robert L. Lippert.
Lippert, impressed by Spalding's literary abilities, requested his assistance in reviewing and critiquing scripts prepared by his company for production in Hollywood. When Lippert received the green light to produce a steady stream of low-budget features for 20th Century-Fox, the doors to Hollywood swung open for Spalding, who relocated from San Francisco to join Lippert's unit.
During his prolific three-year stint, Spalding penned an astonishing 18 original scripts under the pseudonym "Henry Cross," citing his desire to avoid being typecast as the sole writer in Hollywood, with the name Harry Spalding becoming synonymous with literary excellence.
