Walter Lang's entry into the film industry began in New York, where he secured a position as a clerk in the office of a film production company. Through dedication and perseverance, he worked his way up the ranks, ultimately landing the role of assistant director. It was during this period that he made his directorial debut in 1926, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.
As the advent of sound revolutionized the film industry, Lang had already established himself as a respected director. However, he decided to take a break from Hollywood and explore his artistic side in Paris. Unfortunately, his foray into the world of fine art proved unsuccessful, and he returned to Hollywood a few years later.
In the mid-1930s, Lang joined 20th Century-Fox, where he discovered his true calling. He was one of the key talents responsible for the iconic, Technicolor musicals that Fox was renowned for in the 1940s and 1950s. Some of his most notable works during this period include Tin Pan Alley (1940),Moon Over Miami (1941),Coney Island (1943),and There's No Business Like Show Business (1954).
Throughout his career, Lang was widely admired by his peers. The legendary Betty Grable once praised him, stating that he was one of the few genuine gentlemen she had ever had the pleasure of meeting. After a long and illustrious career, Lang concluded his work in 1961 with the film Snow White and the Three Stooges (1961).