Józef Lejtes was a Hungarian-born film director and screenwriter who made significant contributions to European and American cinema. He began his career in the Hungarian film industry in the 1920s, directing several notable films. Lejtes emigrated to the United States in the 1940s, where he continued his directing career. He directed episodes for television series such as Bonanza and Perry Mason. Lejtes's work was characterized by a strong visual style and a focus on character-driven narratives.