Born Samuel Grosvenor Wood in Philadelphia, PA. A former oil pipeline worker and real estate broker, he appeared as an actor in a few two-reelers around 1908, under the name Chad Applegate, and in 1915 became an assistant director to C. B. De Mille. Late in 1919 he graduated to director at Paramount. In the 20s he handled many of the films of Gloria Swanson and Wallace Reid, developing a reputation as a reliable craftsman who could turn mediocre material into acceptable entertainment. He solidifed his position in the 30s when, at MGM, he effectively directed, along with a large number of routine productions, such diverse films as the superb Marx Brothers comedy A NIGHT AT THE OPERA (1935) and the maudlin schooldays drama GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS (1939). He reached the peak of his craft toward the end of his career, in the 40s, when he turned out with sure-handed skill such films as OUR TOWN (1940), KITTY FOYLE (also 1940), FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS (1943, also producer), THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES (1942), COMMAND DECISION (1948), and the excellent drama KINGS ROW (also 1942). Despite these achievements, Wood's contribution to American cinema has been largely ignored by film historians, perhaps because of his dedication to conservative-hawkish politics. He was president of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals, and his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947 helped fan the notion of Communist infiltration in the film industry. Other notable directing credits include his first film DOUBLE SPEED (1920, Famous Players-Lasky), PECK'S BAD BOY (1921, also writer), BLUEBEARD'S EIGHTH WIFE (1923), THE FAIR CO-ED (1927, also producer), QUEEN KELLY (1929, uncredited), THE GIRL SAID NO (1930), A DAY AT THE RACES (also producer) and MADAME X (both 1937), GONE WITH THE WIND (uncredited) (1939), RAFFLES (1940), THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES (1941), CASANOVA BROWN (1944), GUEST WIFE and SARATOGA TRUNK (both 1946), IVY (1947, also producer), COMMAND DECISION (1948) and THE STRATTON STORY and his last film AMBUSH (also producer) (both 1949). He was married to his wife, Clara, from 1908 until his death in 1949. His daughter was child actress-turned-leading lady K. T. Stevens (1919-1994).    Nominated for Directing 1939: GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS    Nominated for Directing 1940: KITTY FOYLE    Nominated for Directing 1942: KINGS ROW    Nominated for Best Picture 1943: FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS - Producer at Paramount 4 nominations